Osteoporosis Knowledge, And Beliefs Among College Students In The Us

Abstract

Previous studies have reported that women have inadequate knowledge and perceptions of osteoporosis, which may influence a lack of preventive health behaviors. However, many of these studies have been conducted in postmenopausal women living outside of the US. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs among female college students in the US. METHODS: Female undergraduate students (n = 80) attending The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS completed the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) and Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT) (Kim et al., 1991). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between knowledge, perceived susceptibility and severity, perceived exercise benefits and barriers, perceived calcium benefits and barriers, and health motivation. Chi-square test was conducted to assess the influence of knowledge and health beliefs on dairy intake and exercise. RESULTS: Osteoporosis knowledge was found to have a significant relationship with perceived exercise benefits (r = .36, p < .05) as well as calcium benefits (r = −.221, p < .05). Relationships were also found between perceived severity and calcium benefits (r = .23, p < .05) and exercise barriers (r = .31, p < .05); exercise barriers and calcium barriers (r = .25, p < .05); and health motivation with knowledge (r = .222, p < .05), exercise benefits (r = .048, p < .05), and exercise barriers (r = −.39, p < .05). Knowledge of osteoporosis had a significant association with exercise (X2 = 22.59, p < .05) but not with dairy intake. Health motivation was associated with dairy intake (X2 = 37.09, p < .05) but not exercise. The OKT scores ranged from 7 to 20 out of a possible 24 points (=13.29 ± 2.6, 55%). CONCLUSIONx Female college aged students are not only lacking in knowledge of osteoporosis but also have a low level of perceived susceptibility, and severity of the disease. Previous studies indicate that females are at risk for depletion of bone mineral density as they age. Primary prevention of osteoporosis should begin at a young age to maximize peak bone mass in this population. Health educators and professionals need to focus on increasing knowledge and perceptions regarding osteoporosis in young females to reduce the incidence of this disease.