Introduction. Osteoporosis has been considered a paediatric disease with geriatric consequences. Fostering healthy bone behaviours during adolescence may reduce the incidence and disastrous outcomes of poor bone health in older age.
Aims. To develop and evaluate bone health educational materials for Australian PDHPE students from years 7-10.
Methods. A co-design approach was used to develop the modules, involving semi-structured stakeholder meetings with endocrinologists, academic pharmacists, PDHPE teachers, and students. The modules were implemented in 9 Australian high schools. A pre-post quiz was conducted to evaluate knowledge change. Interviews were conducted with students and teachers to guide widespread implementation in the high school curriculum. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Results. The co-design process resulted in 4 modules which were rated as highly acceptable to teachers and students. Average knowledge scores significantly improved from 81.25% at baseline to 87.50% (p<0.001) in tests taken immediately post-module delivery. Interviews after module delivery revealed high levels of satisfaction among students and teachers. Students expressed increased awareness of the importance of bone health “I realised that I need to be doing a little bit better and taking care of my bones in a more serious way”. Students indicated that they intended to undertake some preventive health behaviours, such as obtaining calcium in the diet but seemed only somewhat willing to regularly do weight-bearing exercise.
Discussion. A collaborative approach has resulted in highly engaging modules for high school students that improved knowledge and may result in healthy behaviours to be adopted to improve bone health.