A randomized field trial for the primary prevention of osteoporosis among adolescent females: Comparison of two methods, mother centered, and daughter centered

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a serious public health. Since the majority of bone mass occurs during adolescence, primary prevention  is important. Probably mother’s participation in health education interventions leads to promote health behaviors in children. To assess a lifestyle modifcation intervention focused on mothers and students has an impact on osteoporosis preventive  behaviors in adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: It is a randomized feld trial in female high schools. 210 girls aged between 11 and 15 were randomly selected. Students in groups A and C and mothers in group B were selected trough the sampling frame. Our lifestyle modifcation was based on group based education in the public girls’ high schools. Subjects in the intervention groups  participated in three educational sessions. Students’ osteoporosis preventive behaviors were measured by using a lifestyle questionnaire consisting of items assessing nutrition, physical activity and sun exposure. Repeated measure ANOVA at baseline, 4 week, 2 months and  6 months and were used to analyze the data. Results: After 1 month, diet and sun exposure scores increased signifcantly (P < 0.001) but it was higher in group B compared with group A. (About diet P < 0.001 and sun exposure = 0. 001). After 6 months, diet and sun exposure status in the group A approximately decreased to baseline, while in group B, diet components were signifcantly diferent  compared to baseline (P < 0.001). There was no change in physical activity. Conclusion: Osteoporosis prevention intervention of  adolescent can be effective when parents or girls participate in training sessions, but education is associated with better outcomes  when focused on mothers.

 Key words: Community intervention, daughter centered, lifestyle, mother centered, osteoporosis, primary prevention