Attitudes and knowledge about osteoporosis risk prevention: a survey of New Zealand women

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and health beliefs regarding osteoporosis risk factors of New Zealand women aged 20-49 years. Design: A descriptive, web-based survey. Subjects: An opportunistic sample of 622 women aged between 20 and 49 years living in Auckland, New Zealand was recruited by email. Results: There was a moderate level of knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors among the women surveyed, with a mean total score for all subjects of 16.4 (standard deviation (SD) 4.0) out of a possible 26 correct responses. Mean scores for osteoporosis knowledge were statistically different by age group, with women aged 40 -49 years scoring higher than those aged 30 -39 years and 20-29 years (17.3 (SD 4.0), 16.4 (SD 4.1) and 15.8 (SD 3.9), respectively, P , 0.001). Overall, about a third of the women perceived that they were likely to develop osteoporosis and 22% believed the disease to be potentially crippling. Most women were aware of the benefits of exercise and optimal calcium nutrition in preventing osteoporosis. Few women perceived barriers to exercise participation and eating calcium-rich foods. Older women (40-49 years) were more motivated to take care of their health than younger women (P , 0.001). A large percentage of subjects (77%) thought that calcium-rich foods contained too much cholesterol. Conclusions: Despite reporting higher than average educational attainment and health consciousness, these women demonstrated average levels of knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors. They had low feelings of susceptibility towards development of osteoporosis, but most considered it to be a serious disease.

Osteoporosis knowledge, self-efficacy, and health beliefs among Chinese individuals with HIV

“…As in previous studies, knowledge scores in our cohort were directly correlated with education levels [27,41], however even among participants with higher education levels in our cohort, mean knowledge scores were still lower than that reported among most studies from the U.S., Canada and New Zealand that were conducted primarily among Caucasian cohorts [14,16–19,42]. It is not clear whether this lack of knowledge is related to low prioritization of osteoporosis among other health conditions in China, or inaccurate or ineffective dissemination of information regarding osteoporosis-related risk factors and preventive measures.…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey of Osteoporosis among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Malaysia

“…Studies have shown that either people believe osteoporosis is an inevitable part of aging and do not take it as a serious disease that may even cause death [11,21] or consider other diseases, i.e., heart diseases, HIV and diabetes more serious than osteoporosis [21]. Although knowledge is a key component in promoting self-care, knowledge alone still cannot result in the practice of preventive behavior or positive attitude [18].…”

The knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors and preventive practices among women of reproductive age in the state of Qatar: a cross-sectional survey

“…In contrast, both Ziccardi et al and Von Hurst and Wham found that at least 79% of women in their studies recognized family history as a risk factor. 21,22 Although many participants knew the importance of sun exposure, a calcium-rich diet, and exercise to prevent osteoporosis, only few knew the benefit of sardines, tuna, and broccoli as good sources of calcium for lactoseintolerant individuals.…”

“…21,22 Therefore, increasing the level of knowledge about non-dairy sources of calcium may increase dietary calcium intake among women, particularly those who are lactose intolerant or simply dislike the taste of dairy products.…”