Improving Australian consumer awareness and understanding of osteoporosis and its treatment

Abstract

Lack of consumer awareness of osteoporosis in Australia is a major health problem across all life stages. The National Strategic Action Plan for Osteoporosis recommends the development of a number of interventions to improve consumer awareness to reduce the burden of this disease. This thesis aimed to develop and evaluate a range of interventions to improve consumer awareness and understanding of osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

An implementation methodology was employed to develop and evaluate potential interventions to raise consumer awareness of osteoporosis. A comprehensive review of the literature and qualitative research incorporating co-design principles were conducted to inform intervention development. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations, grounded in theory and frameworks were used to assess the interventions.

Three interventions were developed and evaluated. Key findings indicated that the interventions were acceptable to implementers and engaged consumers to improve osteoporosis awareness and understanding. The educational intervention in secondary schools resulted in improved students’ knowledge about osteoporosis and more favourable attitudes towards healthy bone behaviours. The osteoporosis screening intervention in community pharmacies using a validated survey was acceptable to pharmacy staff and effective in reaching consumers. The osteoporosis medication management intervention in community pharmacies reduced patients’ concerns about osteoporosis medications.

The results suggest that tailored interventions can effectively enhance consumer awareness and understanding of osteoporosis, leading to better prevention and management. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on health education and the promotion of osteoporosis awareness. This work leaves a legacy of potential solutions and resources to promote community awareness and understanding of osteoporosis, with a hope of lasting impact across generations of Australians.