ObjectiveTo determine the effects of health education on medication compliance and bone mineral density of patients with osteoporosis in community.

MethodsA total of 123 patients with osteoporosis in A and B community(64 patients in control group and 59 patients in intervention group)received diverse health education and guidance. After a 2-year intervention, knowledge of osteoporosis, health behavior, medication compliance and bone mineral density change were compared between the two groups.

ResultsIn the intervention group, the proportions of correctly responding to the questions of osteoporosis were significantly improved before and after intervention(P < 0.05), except the questions of"exercise to what extent is better". Similarly, health behavior and medication compliance were also significantly improved in the intervention group(P < 0.05). In addition, knowledge of osteoporosis, most health behavior and medication compliance were better than those in the control group(P < 0.05). The difference in the bone mineral densitybetween the intervention group and the control group before and after intervention was 0.025±0.322 and -0.139±0.312(P < 0.05), respectively, showing significant differences(P < 0.05).

ConclusionHealth education for patients with osteoporosis may significantly improve health behavior, medication compliance, bone mineral density, and prognosis of osteoporosis.