[Healthy habits and osteoporosis prevention in perimenopausal women from rural areas]

Abstract

Objective: The probability of developing osteoporosis decreases with an adequate supply of vitamin D, a balanced diet, and increased physical activity. In this study, we evaluated whether an educational intervention improves osteoporosis-related behavior in perimenopausal women from rural areas.

Methods: A randomized experimental evaluation was performed of an educational intervention. The variables were physical activity, calcium intake and sun exposure in women from rural areas aged 45-54 years (n=216) at time 0 and 12 months after the educational intervention. In the control group (n=106), the information was sent by surface mail (month 0). In the intervention group (n=110), two interactive workshops were given (month 0). The topic of the workshops and the information sent by surface mail was healthy habits for osteoporosis prevention.

Results: After 12 months, the intervention group, but not the control group, had increased their physical activity (p=0.006), sun exposure (p=0.029), and calcium intake (53% to 64%).

Conclusion: A simple educational intervention in perimenopausal women from rural areas improved healthy habits for osteoporosis prevention.

Keywords: Actividad física; Calcio; Calcium; Educación sanitaria; Health education; Mujeres; Osteoporosis; Physical activity; Women.