Computer-Based Intervention to Enhance Self-Management of Calcium and Vitamin D Intake in Women

Despite the growing prevalence of osteoporosis, many middle-age women do not engage in recommended bone health promotion behaviors. Based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change, an intervention was designed to increase the self-management behaviors of calcium and vitamin D intake by strengthening health beliefs and using self-regulation skills. In this repeated measures experimental study, a convenience sample of 148 healthy women between 40 and 60 were assigned to either the computer-based intervention group (CBIG) or usual care group (UCG). Measures of health beliefs and calcium and vitamin D intake were obtained at baseline, 8 and 14 weeks, and 6 months. An interaction effect was observed for self-efficacy and approached significance for goal congruence. The CBIG had higher level of calcium intake at 14 weeks than women in the UCG when analyzed using intention to treat. Self-efficacy predicted calcium intake.