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

Abstract EN

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.