Lorraine Silver Wallace1. 1. Department of Family Medicine, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville 37920, USA. lwallace@mc.utmck.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine personal characteristics and expanded health belief model (EHBM) constructs associated with the practice of osteoporosis-protective behaviors among a random sample of nontraditional college women. METHODS: A valid and reliable written mail questionnaire assessing osteoporosis knowledge, EHBM constructs, weight-bearing exercise (EX), and dietary calcium intake (CA) was completed by 273 women. RESULTS: A high proportion of women did not meet current guidelines for EX (50.7%) or CA (67.8%). Exercise self-efficacy and barriers to exercise were the best predictors of overall EX and CA behaviors. CONCLUSION: The EHBM was useful in predicting EX and CA.
OBJECTIVE: To examine personal characteristics and expanded health belief model (EHBM) constructs associated with the practice of osteoporosis-protective behaviors among a random sample of nontraditional college women. METHODS: A valid and reliable written mail questionnaire assessing osteoporosis knowledge, EHBM constructs, weight-bearing exercise (EX), and dietary calcium intake (CA) was completed by 273 women. RESULTS: A high proportion of women did not meet current guidelines for EX (50.7%) or CA (67.8%). Exercise self-efficacy and barriers to exercise were the best predictors of overall EX and CA behaviors. CONCLUSION: The EHBM was useful in predicting EX and CA.