4292.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 2

Abstract #5885

Osteoporosis prevention for women 25 years and younger: Knowledge, beliefs, and practices of providers at Montana Title X clinics

Nancy M. Mulla, MS1, K. Ann Sondag, PhD1, Ellie D. Hardy, NP2, and Helen M. McCaffrey, MPH3. (1) Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, McGill Hall, Missoula, MT 59812, (2) Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, (3) Montana Department of Pubic Health and Human Services

This study assessed Montana's Title X clinic health care providers' knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis prevention for women 25 years and younger. Methodology included development and implementation of a questionnaire(n=79)and follow up telephone interviews(n=14). Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests and discriminant analysis; telephone interview data were qualitatively analyzed.

Results indicated providers are knowledgeable about osteoporosis and believe prevention is important. Inadequate calcium intake, lack of exercise, smoking, and the use of Depo-ProveraŽ as contraception were identified as the most important risk factors when addressing prevention. Verbal instruction was used most often when providing education; lack of written materials, patient's lack of receptiveness to osteoporosis information, and not enough time with patients were perceived as barriers to providing information. Statical differences were detected in several areas: MDs and clinical directors rated the general importance of osteoporosis prevention as less important than did RNs or NPs; MDs, clinical directors and health educators rated the importance of osteoporosis education for teens as less important than did RNs or NPs; RNs reported more often than did NPs that they believed they lacked adequate education for providing osteoporosis prevention information.

Information resulting from this study is currently being utilized by the Montana Department of Health and Human Services in development of educational materials and services designed to improve providers' prevention practices. Ultimately, improving osteoporosis prevention efforts among health care providers will help reduce the number of women who suffer from osteoporosis.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1. describe the major risk factors associated with the development of osteoporosis 2. describe the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Title X health care providers in regard to osteoporosis prevention for women 25 years of age and younger 3. describe barriers to the provision of osteoporosis prevention services for women 25 years of age and younger

Keywords: Primary Prevention,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA