208009 Educational intervention as a public health strategy: A case of osteoporosis awareness in a South Asian community

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Amer Shakil, MD , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Hina Rizvi, MD , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Nora Gimpel, MD , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Zafreen Siddiqui, MD , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Emeka J. Ohagi, MS, MPH , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Tiffany M. Billmeier, MPH , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
  
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem in the US affecting postmenopausal women. It is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures nationally each year. Approximately, 2.7 million Texans have osteoporosis resulting in 72,000 fractures each year. Health education needs to be explored as vital part of prevention strategy.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of health education intervention for osteoporosis awareness and prevention among peri- and post-menopausal South Asian women attending two community centers in Dallas. Results will provide future directions for developing community-based strategies for managing osteoporosis.

Non-experimental study involving a pretest, an intervention, and a post-test. Women of South Asian descent aged 40 and above were selected by convenient sampling at two community centers. Data on demographics, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding osteoporosis were collected using a questionnaire. Group seminars and didactic sessions were held at both locations.

Sixty-one surveys were analyzed; mean age was 52 years; 66% had no health insurance coverage and 62% had college degree. Seventy three percent of the participants reported been pregnant at least three times and don't exercise regularly; 81% never had a bone density scan. Paired sample test showed a mean score difference (pre and post intervention) of -3.5 ( p= 0 .000) indicating an increase in knowledge regarding osteoporosis. Our study demonstrated the efficacy of an educational intervention to improve awareness for osteoporosis and gaining knowledge for preventing and managing osteoporosis at the community level.

Learning Objectives:
On completion of this lecture discussion, the participants should be able to: • Identify the prevalence and risk factors for osteoporosis among peri and post menopausal women. • Evaluate the role of educational intervention in improving awareness for osteoporosis. • Demonstrate understanding in the area of developing community-based strategies for preventing and managing osteoporosis at the community level.

Keywords: Asian Women, Disease Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Participated in data interpretation and dissemination of study results
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Obesity and Nutrition Poster Session
See more of: Epidemiology