Background: Osteoporosis is a major health problem adversely affecting the quality
of life and incurring extra costs on the patient and the society. Primary prevention is most
important through healthy dietary habits and proper physical exercise. Aim: the study was
carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of an educational program about osteoporosis
on improving women's knowledge, attitudes and practices. Setting: it was conducted in Minia
city in Upper Egypt using a quasi-experimental design. Sample: a systematic random sample
of 150 women was recruited from the registries of home visit program in the faculty of
Nursing at Minia University. Tool: Data were collected using an interview questionnaire
sheet assessing women's medical history, knowledge, attitude, and practices as well as risk
factors for osteoporosis. An educational program based on pertinent literature, and in the light
of the findings of the assessment phase was developed, implemented, and evaluated at the end
of the program, and during the 3-month follow-up period. The results revealed that women's
pre-program knowledge was low, but significantly improved at the post and follow-up phases
(p<0.001). Pre-program attitude and practice were better than knowledge; however,
significant improvements were detected after the program. Multivariate analysis revealed that
attendance of the program was the most important independent predictor of the scores of
knowledge, attitude, and practice. Conclusion: the educational program based on needs
assessment was effective in improving women's knowledge, attitude, and practice related to
osteoporosis. Recommendations: it is recommended to use this educational program in
communities where the risk factors of osteoporosis are prevalent. The role of health care
professionals, including nurses, should be more activated.