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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Joanne M. Fugere Fedele, RN, MS, Department of Nursing Administration, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855, 802-334-3208, jfedele@nchsi.org
In Vermont’s rural northeastern counties, North Country Hospital (NCH) serves a population with significant economic and educational challenges. While specific data regarding the incidence in VT of osteoporosis and its debilitating outcomes are not readily available, increasing the percentage of women who are counseled about osteoporosis prevention is among the goals of Health Vermonters 2010. Nationally, it is known that one in two women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis–related fracture in their lifetime. In 2001, with support from the VT Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, NCH implemented a community-based outreach program for osteoporosis education. A community health educator, working 8 hours/week, developed an educational display and presentation that was implemented at over 40 sites throughout the two counties. Over 500 women were reached through group presentations, with additional numbers reached through community and work site health fairs and events. Pre and post-test scores show a significant increase in knowledge about osteoporosis. Lack of understanding that osteoporosis might be preventable and an attitude that it is a disease solely of older women emerged as obstacles to reaching a significant number of younger women in this rural area. Project replication in rural areas is feasible. An osteoporosis awareness campaign is anticipated for 2002 targeting younger women about prevention and older women about early detection.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Outreach Programs, Rural Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee