The effect of a bone-preserving board game program on the knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors of osteoporosis in older adults

Osteoporosis predisposes to fractures, which affect the quality of life and can be life -threatening. However, the knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors of osteoporosis in older adults are insufficient. The aim of this paper was to develop and test the effect of a bone -preserving board game program among older adults. A convenience sample of 85 older adults recruited from two community activity centers in southern Taiwan were assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group played a bonepreserving board game for 4 weeks, and the control group participated in routine community center activities. The generalized estimating equation showed significantly larger improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors in the experimental group than in the control group. Board games designed for older adults can support public health education and help prevent osteoporosis. Our results provide a reference for educators, clinical practitioners and researchers. center dot Osteoporosis is a silent disease without obvious symptoms. center dot Osteoporosis can cause health problems, and preventing osteoporosis in older adults is necessary. center dot The knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors of osteoporosis among older adults are insufficient. center dot We developed a bone -preserving board game program for community dwelling older adults. center dot The bone -preserving board game program significantly improved knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of osteoporosis in older adults. (c) 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.