title: Factors influencing osteoporosis knowledge: a community study.
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.
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, College of Nursing and Health Science, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. railinge@gmu.edu
authors.forename: Rita L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ailinger
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lasus
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Whitt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D004522:Educational Status; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014768:Virginia