title: Educational Intervention Impact on Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, Dietary Calcium, and Vitamin D Intakes in Young Adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Successful prevention of osteoporosis begins early in life. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D plays a role in this prevention along with knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy related to preventive dietary behaviors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this theory-based study was to examine young adults' knowledge of osteoporosis, health beliefs, self-efficacy, dietary calcium, and vitamin D intakes as measures of preventive behaviors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pre-/posttest design was used to determine knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy. A convenience sample of young adults (n = 153) was obtained at a Midwestern college. Participants completed pre- and postquestionnaires that included an osteoporosis knowledge test, health belief scale, self-efficacy scale, and 3-day food records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Health beliefs were a significant predictor of dietary calcium intake and vitamin D intake. Both interventions increased osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs but not self-efficacy. No differences were found between genders. Both interventions did not significantly alter dietary behavior; however, average dietary calcium intake met current recommendations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Either educational method could be implemented in courses or community education to increase knowledge and health beliefs.
authors.affiliation: Alexa L. Evenson, PhD, RD, The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, St. Joseph, MN. Gregory F. Sanders, PhD, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
authors.forename: Alexa L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Evenson
authors.forename: Gregory F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Sanders
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015930:Diet Records; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D014807:Vitamin D