title: The Effects of an Online Theory-Based Bone Health Program for Older Adults.
abstract: An estimated 10 million Americans age 50 and older have osteoporosis, and many experience associated fractures. Although several interventions have been shown to be effective in preventing osteoporosis, their impact on bone health among older adults was limited. The aim of this study was, therefore, to examine the effects of a theory-based online bone health program (Bone Power program) for a large number of older adults. The 8-week program included learning modules, discussion boards, and other resources. Participants ( N = 866; M age = 62.5 years) were recruited online and randomized into a Bone Power or control group. At the end of the intervention, the Bone Power group showed significantly greater improvement over the control group in osteoporosis knowledge, self-efficacy/outcome expectations for calcium intake and exercise, and calcium intake and exercise behaviors. This study's findings suggest that online health programs can be effective in improving older adults' knowledge, beliefs, and health behaviors.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Eun-Shim
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Nahm
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Resnick
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Clayton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Shijun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Magaziner
authors.affiliation: 2 Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bellantoni
authors.affiliation: 3 University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia Flatley
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.affiliation: 4 TRICARE Management Activity, Arlington, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Charters
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Jeanine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Mathew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rietschel
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Minjeong
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Bu Kyung
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017216:Telemedicine
keywords: bone health; diet; online study; physical activities; theory-based intervention