All participants will be asked to complete three surveys about osteoporosis, one the first week of class, one the last week of class, and one two months after the classes are complete. The surveys are based on the Health Belief Model and Stages of Change Model. There are several risk factors for osteoporosis that are not modifiable such as age, being female and Caucasian, having poor health or dementia, a small frame, and a family or personal history of fractures. Strength, coordination, and flexibility are also increased with exercise and help reduce the risk of falls. Many people are unaware of these modifiable risk factors and feel that osteoporosis is a normal part of aging and there are no ways to prevent it.
BMD tests differ in the time it takes to perform the test, bone site measured, and radiation dose.
All of the BMD tests are similar to having a x-ray. Therefore, it is important that all individuals at risk be screened. This model is used to determine an individual s readiness for change. In this study, the Stage of Change Model will be used to categorize people by behavioral change. There are several components to the Health Belief Model including perceived susceptibility of risk, perceived severity, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, cue to action and self-efficacy.