Osteoporosis Health Beliefs in Women Differ by Menopausal Status and Across Age Cohorts

Abstract

This study examines the differences in osteoporosis health beliefs and practices between pre- and postmenopausal women and across four age cohorts. Two hundred and three women, aged 26–86 years, completed the self-administered Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS). Responses and scores for each statement of the OHBS ranged from Strongly Disagree = 1 to Strongly Agree = 5. Means for OHBS subscales (susceptibility, seriousness, health motivation, prevention benefits, and prevention barriers) were calculated. Calcium HBS and calcium food frequency questionnaires were also completed. Premenopausal women perceived osteoporosis as more serious compared to postmenopausal women, while postmenopausal women perceived higher health motivation and greater benefits from osteoporosis prevention. Women aged 40–49.9 years perceived osteoporosis as more serious versus women aged 50–59.9 and 60+ years. Osteoporosis health belief constructs may be utilized to determine osteoporosis prevention priorities for specific cohorts of women.