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BUILD YOUR BONES! A INTERPROFESSIONAL OSTEOPEROSIS PROGRAM

Abstract

Osteoporosis affects over 54 million Americans, with the majority being women (CDC, 2024). Research indicates that exercise and nutrition are essential for preventing this disease, yet these interventions remain underutilized in promoting the health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals at risk. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based, interprofessional osteoporosis prevention pilot program led by students from nutrition, health promotion, nursing, and medical laboratory sciences. METHODS: Female participants from the community (n=37; 69.8 ± 7.2 years) engaged in an 8-week health promotion intervention focused on building skills and knowledge in nutrition and physical activity associated with bone health. A mixed-methods approach, utilizing the Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change, was employed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Evaluation of the program included a pre- post lifestyle questionnaire, physical activity assessments (Timed Up and Go, Sit to Stand, Back Scratch), Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurements via DEXA scans, and a three-day dietary recall. In addition, focus groups with both participants and students were conducted to capture the lived experiences of the intervention. RESULTS: Paired sample t-tests revealed no significant changes in two of the three physical activity measures (TUG and Back Scratch). However, the Sit-to-Stand test demonstrated a significant decrease from 19.6 ± 4.8 to 17.4 ± 4.5 (p <.001). This unexpected outcome could be linked to improved protocol communication by the students in the post test. Thematic analysis of participant and student focus group data identified three central themes: (1) powerful intergenerational and interprofessional collaboration, (2) enhanced health awareness and intentionality, and (3) advocacy for community-based health promotion programs. CONCLUSION: This mixed-methods evaluation underscores the synergistic benefits of community-based interprofessional programs, which not only promote health among participants but also provide valuable, hands-on learning experiences for students from different disciplines. This program was funded by a UCCS Faculty Assembly Women’s Committee mini grant

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