ObjectiveTo ascertain the risk factors, the basic knowledge of exercise and calcium intake for osteoporosis prevention in hospitalized patients with osteoporosis, and to explore the effect of health education in accordance with the patient′s individuality on prevention knowledge in patients with osteoporosis.

MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted in 60 elderly women with osteoporosis on risk factors related to osteoporosis prevention, exercise and calcium intake.Health education for patients was conducted according to the results of the questionnaire and the patients were compared in osteoporosis prevention knowledge before and after the education.

ResultsThe patient′s knowledge of risk factors for osteoporosis prevention increased from 5.06 to 8.20 and the knowledge answer correct rate of risk factors increased from 44.93% to 74.53%;their knowledge of exercise for osteoporosis prevention increased from 2.68 to 4.76 and the knowledge answer correct rate of exercise increased from 38.30% to 67.98%;Their knowledge of calcium intake for osteoporosis prevention increased from 1.70 to 4.96 and the knowledge answer correct rate of calcium intake increased from 20.80% to 62.00%;The overall prevention knowledge of osteoporosis increased from 9.42 to 17.88 and the knowledge answer correct rate of overall prevention knowledge of osteoporosis increased from 34.26% to 67.77%.There was a significant difference before and after health education.

ConclusionElderly women with osteoporosis have a general lack of knowledge about osteoporosis prevention.After interventions tailored by human intervention, patients have significantly improved their knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors, exercise and calcium intake.Health education is effective in improving the prevention knowledge of patients with osteoporosis.