EFFECT OF HEALTH EDUCTION INTERVENTION ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS ON KNOWLEDGE AND DIETARY HABITS OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a disorder of decreased bone mass density. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of health education intervention about osteoporosis on knowledge and dietary habits of employees' women. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used with pre-post test. Setting: The study was conducted in administration building at Fayoum University. Sample: A systematic random sample of 104 women employees that represent 20% of total number of women of 518 under certain criteria. Instruments: Two tools were used, the first tool was interviewing questionnaire that covered the demographic characteristics of women, reproductive health data, medical history, dietary habits and their knowledge about osteoporosis. The second tool was physiological measurement for measuring bone mineral density and body mass index. Results: The study revealed that, less than half of the women's age was between 45<55 years with mean age of 46.16±7.12 years old. More than half of the subjects have normal mineral density, more than one third have osteopenia and the minorities of the subjects have osteoporosis. There was highly statistical significant improvement in the post program than pre program in the total dietary habits and women knowledge about osteoporosis and relation between bone mineral density and intake of milk and soft drinks. Conclusion: The health education intervention about osteoporosis on knowledge and dietary habits of employees' women was effective for increasing their knowledge level about osteoporosis and their dietary habits. Recommendations: Periodic check up for bone mineral density testing for early detection of bone loss. Health education about risk factors and consequences of osteoporosis should be started early as possible from pre-school age until adulthood.