Investigating Preventive Behaviors of Osteoporosis Using the Health Belief Model in Female Health volunteers in the Health Care Centers in Rasht

Background and objectives: Osteoporosis is a worldwide public health problem with an increasing prevalence especially in women. This study was conducted to predict the preventive behavior of osteoporosis through applying Health Belief Model in Health Volunteers of community health centers of Rasht city in 2016. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on all 217 female active Health Volunteers in community health centers in Rasht city in 2016 by survey method. The data collection tools were demographic data sheet, standard questionnaire on osteoporosis based on health belief model, food frequency questionnaire to evaluate milk and dairy group intake and short form of international physical activity questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS21.  Descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Spearman's correlation coefficient, analysis of multiple logistics regression and linear regression) were used. Results: Average age of Health Volunteers was 42.13 ± 9.24 and their average physical activity was 1033.44 ± 1272 min/wk. – MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) and average milk and dairy group intake was 1.69 ± 0.96 unit per day. Multiple logistics regression showed that perceived susceptibility (p=0.012) and construct self-efficacy (p=0.031) were the predictors of physical activity performance (high and middle activity). Linear regression test also indicated that perceived barriers (P=0.006) and knowledge (p=0.027) served as predictors of milk and dairy group intake performance. Conclusion: According to the present study findings, health belief model is a good predictor of preventive behaviors for osteoporosis in female Health Volunteers. Therefore implementing educational intervention based on this model with emphasis on knowledge and effective constructs of efficiency, susceptibility and barriers can help maintain and promote women’s health.