Learning Objective #1: identify the uniqueness of the self-efficacy enhanced education program in providing culturally sensitive, language appropriate, and individualized osteoporosis prevention among older Asian immigrants.

Learning Objective #2: discuss the significance of conducting research related to osteoporosis prevention among older Mandarin speaking adults of a vulnerable and hard-to-access population in the US.

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Background: Studies have consistently reported that Chinese particularly recent immigrants have a low bone mineral density and to be at a great risk for developing osteoporosis. There is considerable evidence that the majority of Chinese men and women of all ages have inadequate information about their risks for developing osteoporosis and are seldom involved in preventive activities. There is also growing evidence of the effectiveness of self-efficacy in changing behaviors among Asian minority populations. However, there is a paucity of research specifically concerned with the impact of self-efficacy (SE) and outcome expectations (OEs) based interventions when used with Chinese immigrants.

Purpose: This study was to evaluate the efficacy of Self-Efficacy Theory based educational intervention (SEOPE) aimed at increasing the knowledge of osteoporosis and adoption of preventive behaviors designed for Chinese immigrants age 45 and above living in the US.

Design: This study employed a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of SEOPE intervention. One hundred ten foreign-born Mandarin-speaking Asians were recruited to the study and 83 of them (mean age =64.08±9.48) were randomly assigned to either receive the intervention (n=42) or to an attention control (n=41). There were 63 (75.9%) females and 20 (24.1%) males. Repeated measure ANOVA was employed for data analysis.

Results: At two weeks post intervention participants that received the SEOPE intervention had a statistically significant improvement in osteoporosis-related knowledge, SE for exercise and osteoporosis medication adherence, more time spent in exercise and more medication use when compared to controls. Although not statistically significant, the treatment group had higher OEs for exercise and medication adherence, in comparison to those who received an attention control.

Conclusion: The SEOPE intervention targeted on Mandarin-speaking immigrants is effective in increasing the knowledge related to osteoporosis and improving the adoption of preventive behaviors.