Abstract

 Objective: The intervention program evaluated through a randomized controlled trial design, on 116 women aged 40-65, based on Intervention Map to increase consumption of calcium rich foods to prevent osteoporosis.

 Method: Osteoporosis knowledge and stages of change of calcium intake were as the effect variables and frequency of calcium rich foods consumption was as the outcome variable of the intervention.

 Results: Individuals in the training group (n=61) had a positive, significant progression in calcium consumption stages of change (p< 0.001), whereas no progression in stages occurred in the control group (n=55). After the intervention, the training group demonstrated significant improvements in osteoporosis knowledge and calcium frequency intake, with no significant changes in the control group.

 Conclusions: The findings revealed that intervention was effective in increasing the participants’ knowledge of osteoporosis and calcium intake in trial group. Intervention mapping provides an explicit theory and data driven guide for intervention development.