Self-efficacy program to prevent osteoporosis among Chinese immigrants: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Gerontology

Background:

• Recent Chinese immigrants exhibit low bone mineral density, increasing osteoporosis risk.
• Inadequate osteoporosis knowledge and limited engagement in preventive activities are prevalent among this demographic.
• Targeting health disparities in immigrant populations is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a self-efficacy-based educational intervention for Chinese immigrants (aged 45+) in the U.S.
• The intervention aimed to enhance osteoporosis knowledge and promote preventive behaviors like exercise and medication adherence.
• Evaluating preliminary outcomes of a targeted health education program for a vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with a repeated-measure design was utilized.
• 110 Mandarin-speaking immigrants were recruited; 83 participated, randomized into intervention (n=42) or control (n=41) groups.
• Data collection occurred at baseline and two weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant improvements in osteoporosis knowledge, exercise self-efficacy, and medication adherence (p < .05).
• Participants in the intervention group engaged in more moderate exercise and had higher energy expenditure.
• Increased osteoporosis medication use was observed in the intervention group compared to controls at two weeks.

Conclusions:

• The educational intervention effectively enhanced osteoporosis knowledge and preventive behaviors among Mandarin-speaking immigrants.
• The findings support the use of self-efficacy theory in designing health interventions for immigrant communities.
• Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term impact of this intervention on bone health behaviors.