Effectiveness of a theory-driven nutritional education program in improving calcium intake among older Mauritian adults.
Background. Low calcium intake, a risk factor of osteoporosis and subsequent fractures, has been previously reported among post-menopausal women in Mauritius. Objective. To assess the effectiveness of a theory-based educational intervention in improving the calcium intake, self-efficacy, and knowledge of older Mauritians. Methodology. The study was conducted as a pre- and post-test design which was evaluated through a baseline, immediate postintervention, and 2-month follow-up assessments. Participants were adults (n = 189) aged ≥40 years old from 2 urban community-based centres. The intervention group (IG) (n = 98) participated in 6 weekly interactive lessons based on the health belief model (HBM). The main outcome measures were calcium intake, HB scale scores, knowledge scores, and physical activity level (PAL). Anthropometric measurements were also assessed. Results. The IG significantly increased its baseline calcium intake, knowledge and self-efficacy (P < 0.001) at post-assessments. A significant decrease in waist circumference in the IG was noted (P < 0.05) after intervention. PAL significantly increased by 12.3% at post-test and by 29.6% at follow-up among intervention adults when compared to the CG (P < 0.001). Conclusion. A theory-driven educational intervention is effective in improving the dietary calcium intake, knowledge, self-efficacy, and PAL of older community-based Mauritian adults.
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius.
Trishnee
T
Bhurosy
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius.
Rajesh
R
Jeewon
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008436:Mauritius / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution
D002136:Calcium, Dietary