Awareness and prevention of osteoporosis among South Asian women.
We examined awareness of osteoporosis prevention among peri- and post-menopausal South Asian women attending two community centers in the Dallas/Fort-Worth Metroplex. We conducted a quasi-experimental study (final N = 61) assessing knowledge about osteoporosis among South Asian women (>or=40 years). The mean age was 52.3 years (SD = 8.72). Over 50% were college educated and 64% had no health insurance. We administered a baseline knowledge test, followed by a health education intervention and, 2 weeks later, by a post-test. Participants received one point for each correct answer and scores were added (<or=14). Participants showed a significant increase in osteoporosis knowledge post intervention (paired t (60) = -9.5, P < .01). For example, women reported highest knowledge gains on the following: adequate calcium intake is achievable from two glasses of milk a day; very thin women are at risk for developing osteoporosis, and family history of osteoporosis is a risk factor. Intervention completers were better prepared to prevent and manage osteoporosis. Results indicate the efficacy of educational intervention in improving osteoporosis awareness; and point to the potential for knowledge acquisition aimed at developing community-based prevention strategies at the community level.
Shakil
Amer
A
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6263 Harry Hines Blvd, DF01.428, Dallas, TX 75390-9067, USA. Amer.Shakil@utsouthwestern.edu
Gimpel
Nora E
NE
Rizvi
Hina
H
Siddiqui
Zafreen
Z
Ohagi
Emeka
E
Billmeier
Tiffany M
TM
Foster
Barbara
B
D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003151:Community Health Centers; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013781:Texas