Predicting osteoporosis preventive behaviors in middle-aged and older urban Shanghai residents: a health belief model-based path analysis in a multi-center population study

Background

Osteoporosis represents a significant health concern as a widespread metabolic bone condition. In this study, we aim to utilize path analysis to examine the intricate relationships among demographic information, Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs and osteoporosis preventive behavior among Shanghai residents over 40 years of age.

Methods

A multi-center population study was conducted in 20 volunteer communities in Shanghai, China. Out of the 2,000 participants who volunteered, 1,903 completed the field survey.

Results

56.0% of participants were females. Their mean age was 63.64 ± 10.30 years. The self-efficacy score among females (42.27 ± 15.82) was also significantly higher than that among males (40.68 ± 15.20). in the pathway analysis. In the path analysis preventive behaviors were significantly predicted by education (β = 0.082, p < 0.001), knowledge (β = 0.132, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.392, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of gender, education, knowledge and self-efficacy in promoting OP preventive behaviors using the Health Belief Model. The findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions to address the specific needs of different demographic groups.

The effect of educational program based on beliefs, subjective norms and perceived behavior control on doing pap-smear test in sample of Iranian women

Objective

Cervical cancer is considered treatable as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Pap smear test is a screening tool that plays an important role in the early detection, prevention and can prevent any early cervical cell changes from becoming cancer. This study aims to survey the effect of educational programs based on beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control on doing the pap-smear test in a sample of Iranian women.

Materials and methods

This experimental interventional study was performed on 300 women admitted to Fasa City, Fars Province, Iran health centers in 2018–2019. A questionnaire consisting of demographic information, knowledge, Health Belief Model, and Theory of Planned Behavior constructs were used to measure on doing of Pap smear test in women before and after 6 months’ educational intervention.

Results

The results revealed that 6 months after the intervention, 108 women (72%) in the experimental group and only 9 women (6%) in the control group received the Pap smear test.

Conclusions

The current research results revealed that education based on the combination of the health Belief model and theory of planned behavior might be promoting participation and an increasing rate of receiving Pap smear tests in women.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01419-w.

Factors associated with the fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening based on health belief model structures in moderate risk individuals, Isfahan, 2011

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is one of the most important and most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Every year, nearly 1 million new cases of colorectal cancer are recognized around the world and nearly half of them lose their lives due to the disease. The statistics reveal shocking incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer, therefore secondary prevention of this cancer is important and research has shown that by early diagnosis 90% of patients can be treated. Among the colorectal cancer screening tests, fecal occult blood test (FOBT) takes the priority because of its convenience and also low cost. But due to various reasons, the participation of people in this screening test is low. The goal of this study is to assess the factors that affect participation of population at average risk in colorectal cancer screening programs, based on health belief model structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 196 individuals, more than 50 years old, was conducted in Isfahan. Ninety-eight people of the target group were selected from laboratories while they came there for doing FOBT test; the method of sampling in this group was random sampling. The method of data collection in the other 98 individuals was by home interview and they were selected by cluster sampling. The questionnaire used was based on health belief model to assess the factors associated with performing FOBT. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

RESULTS

The mean score of knowledge in the first group was 48/5 ± 11/7 and in the second group was 36/5 ± 19/3. Individuals in the first group were more likely to be married, had more years of schooling, and better financial status. There were significant relationships between knowledge (P<0.001), perceived susceptibility (P<0.001), perceived severity (P<0.001), perceived barriers (P<0.001), and self-efficacy (P<0.001) in the two groups. There was no significant association between the perceived benefits in the two groups. Those people who have had FOBT test in last year in each group reported better score of Health Belief Model model structures.

CONCLUSION

According to this study, it seems that there is an urgent need to pay more attention to this disease and its prevention through screening. With a better understanding of factors affecting the test, it can be a useful step to reduce the rate of death and costs, and improve the community health outcomes.