Students Calcium Awareness Program: A Proposal of Mobile Devices Health Promotion Program

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this health promotion program are to increase the knowledge and awareness regarding calcium dietary intake among college students and to positively change their attitude towards it. Methodology: This heath promotion program is designed to target the undergraduate university students (18-22 year old). The program will be delivered to the students through their mobile devices by downloading a free mobile app directly from the internet to their smart phones and tablets. The logic model used in the educational program (Intervention) is to increase participants knowledge and awareness regarding calcium (Determinant), to assist them in selecting their dietary options rich in calcium (Behavior) and eventually prevent osteoporosis and fractures (Health Goal). The behavioral theory used is health belief model, as we aim to create enough concern regarding this health issue and make the participants to really feel that they will be vulnerable to osteoporosis in the future, therefore making the behavioral changes look beneficial for them. Discussion and Evaluation: Program evaluation will be divided into two phases, process; using app statistics, and summative; using a non-experimental evaluation with pre- and post-tests that will be submitted by the participants through the app.