Effectiveness of a Web-Based Osteoporosis Awareness Education Program Based on the Health Belief Model Among Female University Students at Risk

Study Title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Web-Based Osteoporosis Awareness Training Program Based on the Health Belief Model in Female University Students with Osteoporosis Risk Background: Osteoporosis is a common disease worldwide, leading to a high risk of fractures, especially in women. According to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, osteoporosis is defined as a bone mineral density (BMD) of 2.5 standard deviations or less in young, healthy women. Osteoporosis usually progresses asymptomatically and interferes with activities of daily living, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates. Furthermore, the cost of osteoporosis is estimated at 12.2-17.9 billion dollars per year worldwide. Therefore, raising awareness and adopting a healthy lifestyle are important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis among young women. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based educational program based on the health belief model for female university students at risk for osteoporosis. Method: The study will be conducted with a randomized controlled design. Participants will be enrolled in a web-based training program aiming to increase their knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors, preventive health behaviors and healthy lifestyle. The effectiveness of the training program will be evaluated in terms of participants' level of knowledge about osteoporosis, health beliefs and behavioral changes. Target Population: Female university students aged 18-24 years, who are at risk of osteoporosis. Expected Outcomes: The training program is expected to result in a positive change in participants' osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs and preventive behaviors. Furthermore, it is important to disseminate such trainings among young women as an effective strategy for osteoporosis prevention. Conclusion: This study will constitute an important step towards osteoporosis prevention by aiming to increase young women's knowledge about osteoporosis, s