| Osteoporosis is a growing health concern that impacts the health and well being of the individual and places an economic burden on society. Although this disorder manifests itself in old age, it begins with choices and behaviors developed during childhood and adolescence. Adolescent perceptions of osteoporosis have not been documented. The purposes of this study were as follows: (a) to explore adolescents' attitudes toward osteoporosis and osteogenic behaviors; and (b) evaluate the impact of a one-time educational intervention on adolescents' attitudes toward osteoporosis and osteogenic behaviors. A one-group, same day, pre-posttest design, using survey methodology, measured the impact of an educational presentation on osteoporosis perceptions of 101 freshmen in one remote Alaskan high school. The pretest revealed that participants did not perceive themselves to be at risk for osteoporosis or view this disorder as significant. Participants also demonstrated inadequate calcium intake and exercise participation. Comparison of the pre and posttests, using dependent sample t-tests revealed statistically significant difference at the p < .001 level in perceptions of: susceptibility, t(100) = 12.36; severity t(100) = 15.88; calcium efficacy t(100) = 13.68; and exercise efficacy t (100) = 17.46. The results of this study showed that adolescents are in need of objective information about osteoporosis in order to progress toward permanent behavior change. It can also be concluded from this study that a one-time osteoporosis class has the potential of moving participants through the precontemplation stages of behavior change. |
