The Effect of Education Based on the Health Belief Model on Osteoporosis Prevention Behaviors in Female High School Students

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases and is the silent epidemic of this era. Objectives: This study evaluates the effect of education that is based on the health belief model on promoting osteoporosis prevention behaviors among female high school students. Methods: In this two-group interventional study, 172 students age 11 to 14 years (experimental group = 86 subjects; control group = 86 subjects) were randomly selected from Khorramshahr high schools using multistage sampling. Data were collected before the intervention and two months after its completion using a researcher-made questionnaire with four parts: demographic questions, knowledge questions, questions related to the health belief model constructs, and questions regarding preventive behaviors. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22 software and by applying the Mann-Whitney test, the analysis of covariance procedure, and the Wilcoxon statistical test. Results: After the intervention, significant statistical differences were seen between the experimental and control groups in mean scores of knowledge, health belief model constructs, and preventive behaviors. Conclusions: The education based on health belief model plays an important role in increasing knowledge and improving osteoporosis prevention behaviors in students.