Osteoporosis: Health beliefs and barriers to treatment in an assisted living facility.

The purpose of this study was to describe residents' perceptions of osteoporosis and barriers to treatment in an assisted living setting. An exploratory, qualitative design was used. Five residents and the Director of Nursing participated in semi-structured interviews. Common health behaviors themes related to osteoporosis emerged that provide insight for nursing education and practice. The themes are discussed in light of the Health Belief Model, providing a framework for understanding osteoporosis-related health beliefs. This model lays a foundation upon which future interventions can be tested for effectiveness in improving osteoporosis-related care in assisted living.