The effect of patient education on calcium intake in elderly men at risk for osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect patient education has on osteoporosis prevention and calcium intake has on elderly men who are at risk for developing osteoporosis.


METHODS
This was a prospective study in which subjects completed a Men's Osteoporosis Risk Questionnaire and watched a video on osteoporosis prevention. Subjects were then divided into groups based on osteoporosis status and contacted one month later to complete a telephone survey.


METHODS
Geriatric ambulatory care clinic in the St. Louis Veteran's Affairs Medical Center.


METHODS
35 men over the age of 65.


METHODS
Subjects watched a video on osteoporosis prevention.


RESULTS
Primary outcome was change in calcium intake (total, dietary, and supplemental) in men at risk for osteoporosis. Secondary objectives were new diagnoses of osteoporosis; new fractures; effects on exercise, tobacco and alcohol use; and change from baseline calcium intake between at risk, diagnosed, and no risk for osteoporosis subjects.


RESULTS
After watching the educational video, 67% of the subjects increased the amount of calcium ingested, and 10% of the subjects began calcium supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
There were significantly more subjects meeting the RDA of calcium after watching the educational video.
Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA. melissa.foldi@liu.edu
Melissa A
MA
Foldi
Myra T
MT
Belgeri
Horace M
HM
Perry
Claude J
CJ
Gaebelein