Osteoporosis risks. A comparative study of Asian Australian and Caucasian Australian women.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the self reported level of osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes and preventive activities, including dietary calcium intake of Asian and Caucasian women.


METHODS
Self administered questionnaires in English and Chinese including a food frequency survey were posted to potential respondents that were recruited via general practices, community newsletters and notices.


RESULTS
Asian women had less osteoporosis knowledge and lower calcium intake (mean 793 +/- 49 mg/day standard error of the mean) than Caucasian women (1298 +/- 56 mg/day). Postmenopausal Asian women were at greater risk of being below the recommended daily intake (73%) than Caucasian women (31%).


CONCLUSIONS
Osteoporosis knowledge and preventive activities among Asian and Caucasian women could be better. Higher dietary or supplementary calcium intake should be considered.
Liew
Yuk L
YL
Monash University, Victoria. chanliew@bigpond.com.au
Mann
David
D
Piterman
Leon
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014739:Victoria
D002136:Calcium, Dietary