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

Abstract

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 () and US () college students completed the Osteoporosis Health Belief, Self-Efficacy, and Knowledge Tests.Results. Differences were seen in osteoporosis knowledge (, ), exercise knowledge (, ), calcium knowledge (, ), perceptions of exercise benefits (, ), calcium benefits (, ), exercise barriers (, ), calcium barriers (, ), and exercise self-efficacy (, ).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.