Social support, knowledge, and self-efficacy as correlates of osteoporosis preventive behaviors among preadolescent females.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and test a model based on Bandura's social cognitive theory to predict healthy lifestyle behaviors for the prevention of osteoporosis.


METHODS
Participants were 354 girls, ages 8-11 years, recruited from area Girl Scout troops. Baseline data from a randomized trial of behavioral interventions are presented. Measures of social support, knowledge, self-efficacy, dietary calcium intake, and weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA) were obtained via interviews and self-administered questionnaires.


RESULTS
A structural equation model was tested and fit the data well. Family social support, perceived self-efficacy for eating a calcium-rich diet, and knowledge of WBPA significantly predicted calcium intake. Friend and family support for exercise predicted WBPA. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between family support and calcium intake, as confirmed by Holmbeck's post-hoc probing strategy (2002).


CONCLUSIONS
Suggestions are made for primary prevention interventions such as parent and peer involvement, health education, and problem-solving training.
Ievers-Landis
Carolyn E
CE
Division of Behavioral Pediatrics and Psychology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-6038, USA. cievers@aol.com
Burant
Christopher
C
Drotar
Dennis
D
Morgan
Larissa
L
Trapl
Erika S
ES
Kwoh
C Kent
CK
D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D016474:Weight-Bearing