Effects of educational materials concerning osteoporosis on women's knowledge, beliefs, and behavior

Purpose. This study examined the effects of brief written educational mater ials on osteoporosis-related Knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. The study a lso examined whether observed effects varied as a function of one's stage i n the precaution adoption process. Design. The study used an experimental research design. Setting. Participants were identified from North Carolina driver's license records. Subjects. Of the 1476 women in the initial sample, 536 (36.3%) enrolled in the study and 307 completed all follow-up, assessments. Intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups. On e group received an information packet containing general information about osteoporosis. One group received an action plan packet containing instruct ions on how to increase one's level of exercise and calcium intake. One gro up received both packets. The final group received neither packet. Measures. Primary study variables were beliefs related to osteoporosis, cal cium, and exercise; osteoporosis knowledge; calcium and exercise stage; cal cium intake; and exercise level. Results. Overall, receipt of the information packet was associated with cha nges in knowledge and beliefs (F[18,283] = 2.11, p <.01) Irrespective of pa rticipants' stage of change. No effects on behavior were observed. Conclusions. These findings suggest that brief written educational material s can facilitate knowledge and belief change but that they do not promote b ehavior change. The generalizability of these findings is limited by the lo w study response rate.