Inter-correlation of knowledge, attitude, and osteoporosis preventive behaviors in women around the age of peak bone mass

Abstract

BackgroundAs silent and preventable in nature, postmenopausal osteoporosis awareness should be raised among young women prior to an irreversible period of declining bone mass. We therefore decided to assess the inter-correlation of knowledge, attitude and osteoporosis preventive behaviors in women around the age of peak bone mass.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 430 women aged 20–35 years. The participants’ knowledge, attitude and behaviors concerning osteoporosis prevention were assessed along with demographic data using a four-part questionnaire. The items in this questionnaire were established by extensive literature review, including the Guideline for Management of Osteoporosis of the Thai Osteoporosis Foundation (TOPF) 2010. The content was validated by experts in osteoporosis and reliability was obtained with a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.83.ResultsThe mean age of women in this study was 29.4 ± 4.6 years. Half of the participants (49.5%) had heard about osteoporosis, mostly from television (95.3%, n = 203/213) and the internet (72.8%, n = 155/213). Most women had certain knowledge (85.2%) and positive attitude towards osteoporosis (53.3%). Nevertheless, 80% of the studied population did not have appropriate osteoporosis behaviors. We found significant correlation between the level of attitudes and osteoporosis behaviors (adjusted odd ratio = 3.3 with 95% confidence interval of 1.9-5.7); attitude and educational level (adjusted odd ratio = 2.2 with 95% confidence interval of 1.4-3.4); and attitude and knowledge (adjusted odd ratio = 3.5 with 95% confidence interval of 1.8-6.8).ConclusionDespite having certain knowledge about osteoporosis, the young women did not seem to have appropriate osteoporosis preventive behaviors. Developing a right attitude towards osteoporosis may be a key determinant to improving health practices in order to prevent osteoporosis.

Utilizing Health Belief Model to Enhance the Preventive Health Behavior about Osteoporosis among Young-Adult Females

“…Each scale consists from 6 questions, possible score for each subscale ranged between "6-30" with a low score indicating low perception and high score indicating high perception. Scale interpretation the above 6 subscale from (6-18 low perceived, & high perceived [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] in relation to perceived health motivation subscale negative view of health 6-18 positive view of health from 19-30).…”

The Effect of Education Based on the Health Belief Model on Osteoporosis Prevention Behaviors in Female High School Students

“…Osteoporosis, a common bone disease and a major public health concern around the world, is characterized by low bone mass and degenerative changes to skeletal bone tissue microstructures (1,2). Osteoporosis affects both men and women, but the disease is more common among women (3).…”

“…These preventive behaviors included adequate calcium intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and getting proper sunlight for vitamin D production in the skin (2,3). According to existing evidence, calcium consumption (7,8), physical activity (9,10), and vitamin D obtained through food or synthesis in the skin after UV exposure (11) all have positive impacts on bone density.…”

“…Other possible complications include loss of height, kyphosis, negative body image, back pain, chronic pain syndrome, and increased mortality (3). Nevertheless, osteoporosis is a preventable disease, and primary prevention should begin as soon as possible because a rapid increase in bone density occurs at a young age (1,2,6).…”

Correlations Between Physical Activity, Smoking Habit And Attitude In Elderly With Incidence of Osteoporosis

“…Sikap positif dalam pencegahan osteoporosis berpotensi meminimalkan risiko seseorang untuk terkena osteoporosis (Puttapitakpong, 2014).…”