An Internet-based osteoporotic fracture risk program: effect on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors
Rebecca L Drieling1, Jun Ma, Sreedevi Thiyagarajan
1Program on Prevention Outcomes and Practices, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|October 6, 2011
Summary
This study tested an internet-based program to help women manage fracture risk. While it improved osteoporosis knowledge, it did not significantly change behaviors like diet or exercise.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Osteoporotic fractures pose a significant public health challenge, necessitating innovative interventions.
- The 2004 Surgeon General's Bone Health Report highlighted the need for new strategies to reduce fracture incidence.
- Self-management of fracture risk is crucial for preventing osteoporotic fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an Internet-based intervention tailored to individual fracture risk and stage.
- To promote self-management of fracture risk factors including nutrition and exercise.
- To assess the impact of a personalized online program on osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 121 women, comparing a tailored Internet-based tutorial group (n=61) to a standard information group (n=60).
- Intervention tutorials were personalized based on 10-year hip fracture risk, osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, nutrition, and exercise levels.
- Data collection included questionnaires at baseline, 3, and 6 months, supplemented by qualitative data from evaluation forms and focus groups.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in general osteoporosis knowledge (p=0.03) and calcium knowledge (p=0.02).
- No significant differences were observed between groups in meeting recommendations for calcium, vitamin D, or aerobic/resistance exercise at 6 months.
- Qualitative analysis indicated the intervention enhanced participants' ability to implement and maintain healthy behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The risk- and stage-tailored Internet intervention improved participants' knowledge regarding osteoporosis.
- While direct behavioral changes were not statistically significant, qualitative data suggest improved behavior implementation and maintenance.
- A refined intervention, incorporating user feedback and enhanced tailoring, holds potential for managing the societal burden of osteoporotic fractures.
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