Behaviors tailored to prevent bone loss can prevent and/or delay the development of osteoporosis. The challenge is to encourage women to engage in these behaviors. The Revised Health Belief Model provides the theoretical framework. The purpose was to determine if tailored nursing interventions based on knowledge of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry results cause increases in knowledge of osteoporosis, changes in health beliefs (HB), or changes in osteoporosis prevention behaviors (OPB) in postmenopausal women age 50-65 years. Research questions focused on whether tailored interventions increase: 1) Knowledge of osteoporosis, 2) Positive health beliefs (or decrease barriers), and 3) OPB. The sample for this experimental study was comprised of 124 women. A tailored intervention was provided by phone followed by a written mailed copy of the intervention. Six months later a questionnaire was mailed to determine if the tailored intervention made a difference in outcome variables. Data were analyzed using t-tests and descriptive statistics. Knowledge was significantly higher in the tailored group (Mean=19.83); nontailored group (Mean=17.30) (t=3.105; df=122; p=.002). There were significantly more perceived barriers to calcium in the tailored group (Mean=13.48); nontailored group (Mean=11.55) (t=2.147; df=122; p=.034) and more perceived barriers to exercise in the tailored group (Mean=14.39); nontailored group (Mean=12.21) (t=2.144; df=122; p=.034). Both groups exhibited a significant increase in calcium intake; there was no significant difference in the groups. Surprisingly, the tailored group exhibited a significant decrease in exercise from 96.04 to 59.2 minutes (t=2.326; df=22: p=.030). Tailored interventions increased women’s knowledge of osteoporosis. Other findings were mixed and require further study of tailored interventions and their implications for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Session #1177 - Womens' Health
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)