Osteoporosis Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Beliefs among College Students in the USA and China

• Published in: Journal of Osteoporosis Vol. 2011; no. 2011; pp. 265 - 272
• Main Authors: Ford, M. Allison, Bass, Martha A., Zhao, Yan, Bai, Jin-Bing, Zhao, Yue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 01-01-2011; Hindawi Puplishing Corporation; SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Demographic aspects; Health aspects; Health behavior; Osteoporosis; Prevention; Self-efficacy (Psychology); United States; China
• ISSN: 2042-0064; 2090-8059; 2042-0064
• DOI: 10.4061/2011/729219

This study investigated differences in osteoporosis knowledge, self-efficacy, and health beliefs among Chinese and American college students. Information obtained will be used in developing osteoporosis prevention programs for younger adults. Methods. Chinese (n=409) and US (n=408) college students completed the Osteoporosis Health Belief, Self-Efficacy, and Knowledge Tests. Results. Differences were seen in osteoporosis knowledge (Mus=14.52, MChinese=11.82), exercise knowledge (Mus=8.16, MChinese=9.04), calcium knowledge (Mus=8.47, MChinese=9.73), perceptions of exercise benefits (Mus=24.07, MChinese=21.09), calcium benefits (Mus=23.17, MChinese=18.36), exercise barriers (Mus=11.75, MChinese=14.96), calcium barriers (Mus=13.04, MChinese=15), and exercise self-efficacy (Mus=73.71, MChinese=63.81). Conclusion. US college students know more about osteoporosis and its risk factors; however, there are similarities in perception of risk between US and Chinese students. Chinese students perceive greater barriers to reducing their risk through exercise and dietary calcium intake.