OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON OSTEOPOROSIS HEALTH BELIEFS AND AWARENESS IN WOMEN AT RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Osteoporosis Education Based on the Health Belief Model: Intervention Description This study evaluates a hybrid educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), focusing on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers. 1. Baseline Assessment: Participants in both groups complete questionnaires on osteoporosis awareness and health beliefs. 2. Educational Intervention (Intervention Group): Initial Session: A 45-60 minute structured face-to-face training covering osteoporosis definition, risk factors, and prevention through nutrition and exercise. Digital Support: A 4-week follow-up via WhatsApp, involving twice-weekly distribution of educational videos, digital brochures, and podcasts to reinforce healthy behaviors. 3. Final Assessment: Four weeks post-intervention, both groups repeat the baseline questionnaires. Control Group: Receives routine clinical information only. To prevent contamination, all educational materials are shared with this group only after the final data collection is completed.

Study summary

Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem characterized by low bone mass and deterioration in the microarchitecture of bone tissue, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Risk factors such as advanced age, female gender, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use play a critical role in its development. As in many countries, the prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing in Turkey, accelerated by an aging population and lifestyle changes. However, it is reported that the level of awareness and knowledge about osteoporosis in the community is often insufficient.

This study is a randomized controlled experimental trial with a two-group pretest-posttest design, conducted between February 1 and June 1, 2026, among women aged 45 and older who have not been diagnosed with osteoporosis but carry at least one osteoporosis risk factor, attending the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at Bartın State Hospital. From the study population, participants who meet the inclusion criteria and volunteer will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The sample size is determined as 74, calculated with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. While the intervention group receives a structured education program based on the Health Belief Model, the control group will receive no education.

The dependent variables of the study are osteoporosis awareness and health beliefs. These variables will be measured before and after the intervention using the Osteoporosis Awareness Scale and the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, which includes subdimensions of perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, and barriers. The effectiveness of the education program will be evaluated through inter-group and intra-group comparisons.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Osteoporosis Awareness Scale (OAS) score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  The Osteoporosis Awareness Scale (OAS) consists of 27 items with a total score ranging from a minimum of 27 to a maximum of 108, where higher scores indicate a greater level of osteoporosis awareness, representing a better outcome.
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale Score — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention..
  The Total Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) score is the sum of 42 items ranging from 42 to 210, where higher scores indicate more positive health beliefs and stronger perceptions toward osteoporosis prevention, representing a better outcome.
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale - Perceived Seriousness Sub-dimension Score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  The Perceived Susceptibility sub-dimension (6 items) assesses the individual's perceived risk of developing osteoporosis with scores ranging from 6 to 30, where higher scores indicate a stronger perception of personal risk, representing a better outcome.
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale - Benefits of Exercise Sub-dimension Score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  The Barriers to Exercise sub-dimension (6 items) identifies perceived obstacles to regular physical activity with scores ranging from 6 to 30, where lower scores indicate fewer perceived barriers, representing a better outcome.
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale - Benefits of Calcium Intake Sub-dimension Score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  The Barriers to Calcium Intake sub-dimension (6 items) evaluates perceived difficulties in maintaining adequate calcium consumption with scores ranging from 6 to 30, where lower scores indicate fewer perceived obstacles, representing a better outcome.
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale - Barriers to Exercise Sub-dimension Score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  This sub-dimension consists of 6 items (Items 25-30) identifying perceived obstacles to engaging in regular exercise. The minimum score is 6 and the maximum score is 30. Higher scores indicate greater perceived barriers to exercise. (Note: In this context, a decrease in this score post-intervention would typically be the desired clinical goal.)
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale - Barriers to Calcium Intake Sub-dimension Score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  This sub-dimension consists of 6 items (Items 31-36) identifying perceived difficulties in maintaining adequate calcium intake. The minimum score is 6 and the maximum score is 30. Higher scores indicate greater perceived barriers to calcium consumption.
• Change in Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale - Health Motivation Sub-dimension Score. — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  The Health Motivation sub-dimension (6 items) assesses the individual's general drive to engage in health-protective behaviors with scores ranging from 6 to 30, where higher scores indicate greater motivation to maintain bone health.
• Changes in Perceived Susceptibility Sub-dimension Score — Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.
  The Perceived Susceptibility sub-dimension (6 items) assesses the individual's perceived risk of developing osteoporosis with scores ranging from 6 to 30, where higher scores indicate a stronger perception of personal risk, representing a better outcome.

Trial sites (1)

More Bartın Unıversity trials in Turkey