Factors Influencing Osteoporosis Knowledge: A Community Study
Authors:
Rita L. Ailinger a;
Mary Ann Braun a;
Howard Lasus a;
Karen Whitt a
| Affiliation: | a George Mason University. |
DOI:
10.1207/s15327655jchn2203_1
Publication Frequency:
4 issues per year
Published in:
Journal of Community Health Nursing,
Volume
22,
Issue
3
September
2005
, pages 135
- 142
Formats available:
PDF
(English)
View Article:
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Abstract
According to the 2004 Surgeon General's report, more than 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and another 34 million are at risk of developing this crippling disease that affects the quality of life. Efforts must be made to stem this disease that may be largely prevented with lifestyle changes. To engage in self-care to prevent osteoporosis, people need to have knowledge of risks and preventive behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing osteoporosis knowledge in 255 people in a university community. The Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (Ailinger, Lasus, & Braun, 2003) was used to measure osteoporosis knowledge. Findings indicated that respondents had inadequate knowledge about osteoporosis. Age was positively correlated with knowledge (r = .27, p < .000), but education was not. There were marked differences in mean scores among ethnic groups. The findings suggest topics that community health nurses need to focus on in their osteoporosis educational interventions.
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