Effectiveness of a Theory‐Driven Nutritional Education Program in Improving Calcium Intake among Older Mauritian Adults

Abstract

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.

Is a Nutrition Education Intervention Associated with a Higher Intake of Fruit and Vegetables and Improved Nutritional Knowledge among Housewives in Mauritius?

“…Also, older respondents have higher nutrition knowledge compared to their younger counterparts as they have been exposed to more nutritional information [19]. In their study, Bhurosy and Jeewon [20] also reported higher knowledge scores in older adults after a nutrition education program. In this study, presence of an elderly person affected nutrition knowledge score whereas having children had no significant effect.…”

Effects of an Osteoporosis Prevention Program Based on Health Belief Model Among Females

“…Hazavehei et al also reported an increase in walking and calcium intake in the intervention group after the education ( 12 ). In a study by Bhurosy et al using the HBM on 189 people aged ≥ 40 years could significantly increase the calcium intake of the study participants ( 25 ). Similar findings were also reported by Jung et al who trained young females through targeted messages ( 26 ).…”

Practical implications for nurses caring for patients being treated for osteoporosis

“…50,51,[76][77][78] Nurses can apply these intervention strategies in practice to promote behavior changes. 58,[79][80][81] Nurses can be part of the efforts to participants in research studies. Information developed for the public and guidelines for assessing and treating patients with osteoporosis are available from many agencies and organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Osteoporosis Foundation, [1][2][3]8 and can be used effectively to introduce the topic to patients and to follow up accordingly.…”