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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Lori W Turner, RD, PhD, Blake A. Perry, MS, Amy Gray, BS, Ro DiBrezzo, PhD, and Sharon Hunt, EdD. Department of Health Science, Kinesiology, Recreation and Dance, University of Arkansas, 309 HPER Building, Fayetteville, AR 72701, (501)575-4670, lori@uark.edu
Osteoporosis is a serious women's health problem and crippling condition that often results in premature mortality and significant morbidity resulting in fractures, bone deformity, and pain. Osteoporosis affects more than 25 million people in the United States, 80% of whom are women. Screening and prevention can slow bone loss and reduce incidences of osteoporosis. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate an osteoporosis prevention outreach program for middle-aged women. The program provided education, screening, individualized counseling and referral for 342 women. The program took place from January to December 2001. Program components included educational classes, screening and individual consultation. The education component included four classes on the following topics: general information about osteoporosis, nutrition-increasing calcium intake through low-fat foods, calcium supplements, and physical activity. The screening component included a bone mineral density test of the left hip and spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Twenty eight percent of the subjects had abnormal bone density readings. Subjects completed valid and reliable questionnaires to assess osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. The Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (developed by Kim, Horan, and Gendler), the Osteoporosis Belief Scale (developed by Kim, Horan, Gendler, and Patel) and the Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey (developed by Doheny & Sedlak) were administered before and after the program. Evaluation of pre/post data by SAS procedures indicated significant changes in knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors (p<0.05). Process evaluation information regarding participant feedback, and impact evaluation data regarding knowledge, beliefs and behavior changes will be described.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.