Effects of Training Course on the Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Risk Factors and Preventive Methods of Osteoporosis in Female High School Students in Shiraz - Iran: (Short Report)

Osteoporosis is generally a disease of adulthood which may originate during childhood and adolescence. However despite the increasing emphasis on the prevention of osteoporosis among adults, it seems that similar efforts for children and adolescents have been limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of training program on knowledge and attitudes towards the risk factors and preventive methods of osteoporosis in female high schools students in Shiraz.

In this quasi-experimental and pre-post test designed study, 537 female high school students of Shiraz city were selected by a stratified random sampling method and were then randomly divided into control and experimental groups. After pre-test, the experimental group participated in a training program based on the Health Belief Model. The knowledge test and health belief scale were used to obtain data for the pre- and post- tests. Mean score of knowledge and health belief subscales of each group were analyzed by paired t test and the pre- to post-test changes of the two groups were analyzed by independent t test.

The results of the study revealed that there were significant differences between the two groups in the all parameters (p=0.001) except for the advantages of calcium consumption.

Primary prevention and training programs based on health belief model is effective in promoting student knowledge and attitudes about the prevention of this disease.