The Impact of Education via Email on Osteoporosis-Preventive Behaviors among Female Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis is a preventable disease. Insufficient knowledge is one of the major causes of high prevalence of osteoporosis. In this study, the effect of education via email, was assessed on osteoporosis-preventive behaviors among female students.   Methods: This clinical trial study (pretest, posttest and with control), was performed on 170 female students of Mazandaran University (state and non-medical university) in 2013. In this study, email was used as an educational tool to improve physical activity and calcium intake among female students. Data collection tool was a valid questionnaire consisting of 3 sections [demographic, calcium intake (FFQ), and physical activity (IPAQ)]. Emails were sent to the students during 4 weeks. Data were analyzed before and 3 months after the education using independent t-, paired t-, and Chi square tests.   Results: The amount of calcium intake in the experimental group significantly increased after the education compared to the control group (p=0.009). Also, the score of physical activity significantly increased after education compared to the control group (p<0.001).   Conclusion: The results of this study showed that new communication technologies could be used for health education purposes. Therefore, sending emails can affect osteoporosis-preventive behaviors among adolescents, especially young women.    

Keywords

• osteoporosis
• electronic mail
• education
• a randomized clinical trial.