Young Women's Knowledge and Beliefs about Osteoporosis: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey of College Females

Background: About 40% of White American women over age 50 experience osteoporosis-related fracture of the hip, spine, or wrist during their lives. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs among young women. Methods: University women (n=302) completed a self-administered osteoporosis risk factor questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance, and the paired samples t-test. Results: Just 6 out of the 16 osteoporosis risk factors listed were correctly identified by at least 50% of the respondents; the mean risk factor knowledge score was 9.41 out of 20. Respondents strongly believed that osteoporosis is a serious disease, but less serious than heart disease and breast cancer. They also believed that they were somewhat responsible for getting osteoporosis, but less so than heart disease. In addition, they believed they were more likely to develop, and were more concerned about, breast cancer. African American women had lower knowledge scores than White women, were less likely to identify five of the risk factors correctly, and were less likely to believe they would develop osteoporosis. Discussion: The findings suggest that there are gaps in young women's ability to identify osteoporosis risk factors, and that they are somewhat complacent about the disease. Translation to Health Education Practice: This data suggests that educational programs concerning the prevention of osteoporosis in young women are warranted.