OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON OSTEOPOROSIS HEALTH BELIEFS AND AWARENESS IN WOMEN AT RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Summary

Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem characterized by low bone mass and deterioration in the microarchitecture of bone tissue, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Risk factors such as advanced age, female gender, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol use play a critical role in its development. As in many countries, the prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing in Turkey, accelerated by an aging population and lifestyle changes. However, it is reported that the level of awareness and knowledge about osteoporosis in the community is often insufficient.

This study is a randomized controlled experimental trial with a two-group pretest-posttest design, conducted between February 1 and June 1, 2026, among women aged 45 and older who have not been diagnosed with osteoporosis but carry at least one osteoporosis risk factor, attending the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at Bartın State Hospital. From the study population, participants who meet the inclusion criteria and volunteer will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The sample size is determined as 74, calculated with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. While the intervention group receives a structured education program based on the Health Belief Model, the control group will receive no education.

The dependent variables of the study are osteoporosis awareness and health beliefs. These variables will be measured before and after the intervention using the Osteoporosis Awareness Scale and the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, which includes subdimensions of perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, and barriers. The effectiveness of the education program will be evaluated through inter-group and intra-group comparisons.

Conditions

• Health Belief Model-Based Osteoporosis Education Programme

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Osteoporosis Education Based on the Health Belief Model

Intervention Description This study evaluates a hybrid educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), focusing on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers. 1. Baseline Assessment: Participants in both groups complete questionnaires on osteoporosis awareness and health beliefs. 2. Educational Intervention (Intervention Group): Initial Session: A 45-60 minute structured face-to-face training covering osteoporosis definition, risk factors, and prevention through nutrition and exercise. Digital Support: A 4-week follow-up via WhatsApp, involving twice-weekly distribution of educational videos, digital brochures, and podcasts to reinforce healthy behaviors. 3. Final Assessment: Four weeks post-intervention, both groups repeat the baseline questionnaires. Control Group: Receives routine clinical information only. To prevent contamination, all educational materials are shared with this group only after the final data collection is completed.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bartın Unıversity

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Taqwa İbrahim Hasan Hasan Hasan Hasan, bachelor · Bartın Unıversity

• Ayfer Bayındır Çevik Çevik Çevik, Professor · Bartın Unıversity

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-25

Primary Completion

2027-01-20

Completion

2027-02-25

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations