| Objective To explore the influence of health education model at outpatient clinic on patients’ knowledge and bone mineral density ( BMD) in patients with osteoporosis, and to evaluate the implementation effect. Methods The model of osteoporosis education was applied, including establishing osteoporosis clinic, education group and health management database, and following up patients etc. The education content includes general knowledge on osteoporosis and its prevention, dietary therapy, exercise, treatment, fracture prevention, self-monitoring and management, and diagnosis of osteoporosis. Comparisons were made in 300 subjects at baseline and 12 months after the education on their knowledge of osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD). Results There were significant differences before and after education in patients’ knowledge on disease prevention, dietary therapy, exercise, treatment，fracture prevention，self-monitoring and management，and osteoporosis diagnosis (P < 0. 05). There were significant differences in L1 BMD in females aged 60-69, and in L1 and femoral neck BMD in males aged 60 -69 and 70 -79 before and after the education (P < 0. 05). Conclusion In patients with osteoporosis, the health education model can effectively improve their knowledge of osteoporosis and lumbar spine and hip BMD. |