Determinants of Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors in Postmenopausal Women: Application of the Health Belief Model

Background. Osteoporosis is a silent disease of the present era, which is of particular importance due to the high incidence of this disease in women and its complications. This disease is preventable. This study aims to investigate the determinants of osteoporosis prevention behaviors among postmenopausal women using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods. The present cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2023 on 185 postmenopausal women in Sarab city. Sampling was done using a multi-stage cluster method. After collecting data using standard questionnaires based on the health belief model regarding osteoporosis, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and independent t-tests, ANOVA, and regression. Results. Based on the correlation test results for the HBM constructs, there was a statistically significant relationship between perceived barriers and awareness, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, and perceived benefits (P<0.05). Based on the results of linear regression in the second model, with the addition of constructs to demographic characteristics, the predictive ability reached 37%, and awareness had the strongest predictive power (β=0.316). Conclusion. The findings of this study confirmed the effectiveness and efficiency of HBM in adopting preventive actions against osteoporosis. Considering the aging population in Iran and the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis among women due to menopause, the results of the present study can be used to reduce perceived barriers, increase awareness, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, and perceived benefits. In addition to other care provided in health centers, it is suggested that special care for menopausal women be considered so that all menopausal women are covered and referred to health centers.