Effectiveness of an osteoporosis prevention educational program in Tunisian premenopausal women working in sedentary occupations: a quasi-experimental study

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an osteoporosis prevention program on knowledge and perception of self-efficacy in adopting preventive osteoporosis behaviors in premenopausal women working in sedentary occupations. Results show the improvement in knowledge and self-efficacy was statistically significant respectively (p < 0.001) and (p = 0.001).

Introduction: The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an osteoporosis prevention educational program on knowledge and perception of self-efficacy in adopting preventive osteoporosis behaviors in Tunisian premenopausal women working in sedentary occupations.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study design. Our study population was composed of female employees, aged 35-50 years, of a company located in the industrial zone Sousse, situated in the center East of Tunisia. Three data collection methods were used: a questionnaire exploring socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric measures, the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, and the Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale. The intervention consisted of an educational program relating to the promotion of calcium intake and physical activity. We are referred to the "Health Belief Model."

Results: A survey conducted on 97 women. Only 81 subjects completed the study and are included in data analyses. The total knowledge score regarding osteoporosis improved by + 14.57 which corresponds to percentage of 109% between the pre- (T1) and post-test (T2). This improvement in knowledge was statistically significant (p < 0.001), going from 13.41 ± 3.94 at T1 to 27.98 ± 2.49 at T2. The total osteoporosis self-efficacy score has increased by + 9.56, or a percentage of 15% between the pre- and post-test. This improvement in self-efficacy was statistically significant (p = 0.001), going from 64.18 ± 20.84 at T1 to 73.73 ± 14.35 at T2.

Conclusion: It is important to create an appropriate environment for the adoption of favorable behaviors to healthy bones and to promote health education with political commitment and collaboration with different sectors.