Effect of Interactive Online Preventive Program Regarding Osteoporosis on Female Students’ Knowledge, Health belief, Self-efficacy and Behavior

Background: Osteoporosis, a common chronic disease associated with higher mortality and
lower quality of life, is a major global health issue but largely preventable with early
intervention. Adolescence is a key period for prevention, as lifestyle choices made during
this stage greatly influence bone development. Promoting knowledge, positive health
beliefs, and protective behaviors during adolescence is crucial for lifelong bone health. Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of interactive online preventive program
regarding osteoporosis among female students at Suez Canal University. Subjects and
Method: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was employed in this
study, which was conducted at Suez Canal University across four randomly selected
faculties. A total of 192 female students were selected from these faculties using a multistage
stratified random sampling technique. Tools: One tool was used to collect the data: a self-
administered questionnaire comprising five parts; Part I: Demographic data, Part II:
Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Part (III): Osteoporosis health belief scale, Part (IV):
Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale, Part (V): Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey.
Results: A statistically significant improvement (p < .001) was found in female students’
knowledge, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and behaviors related to osteoporosis after
participating in the interactive online preventive program, including greater perceived
benefits of calcium and vitamin D intake, fewer barriers to healthy behaviors, and higher
health motivation. Conclusion: The program revealed strong positive correlations among
health beliefs, knowledge, self-efficacy, and preventive practices. Recommendations:
Continue and regularly update the interactive osteoporosis prevention program to reinforce
knowledge and sustain healthy behaviors among students.