Building a Self-image Enhancement Program for Osteoporosis Prevention through Multidisciplinary Cooperation

Abstract

This study focuses on osteoporosis prevention - which strongly relates to longer healthy life expectancy - and examines the effects of prevention activities in community-dwelling people. In the study, the subject activity was an intervention program held twice and using multidisciplinary collaboration - disseminating knowledge, acquiring feedback from questionnaire analysis, and measuring and visualizing bone density and skeletal muscle mass. The activity resulted in 60% of participants being made aware of osteoporosis prevention in their daily lives for 2 months after the program’s first session, and approximately 50% able to take action and continue pursuing osteoporosis prevention. Open-ended responses revealed many opinions expressing the desire to participate in regular measurements to check their health, and to receive more lectures on nutrition, exercise, and medication related to osteoporosis prevention. Many of the study participants were in their 70s; however, from a preventive standpoint, we will consider expanding the age range, refining contents to be suitable for each age group, and providing strategic programs that help enhance self- image.