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Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1997
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Sharon Hofland
Keywords
osteoporosis prevention, health behavior age factors, health attitudes
Abstract
This study investigated the perceived health beliefs of rural men and women 60 years of age and older towards osteoporosis, and the relationship of those health beliefs to preventive behaviors of osteoporosis.
A positive relationship between perceived benefits of calcium intake and exercise, and health motivation to osteoporosis preventive behaviors was found. These findings may suggest that strategies which influence perceived benefits of calcium intake, exercise, and health motivation may be the most effective methods of increasing osteoporosis preventive behaviors. A negative correlation between benefits of calcium intake and exercise with the older respondents suggests that they did not perceive calcium intake and exercising as benefits in osteoporosis prevention. Also, a positive correlation in barriers of calcium intake and exercise with the older respondents suggests that they viewed calcium intake and exercise participation as barriers to osteoporosis preventive behaviors. This information may be useful for health professionals developing educational programs.
This study found that as a group, they were "neutral" when asked about susceptibility and seriousness of osteoporosis. Also, fewer than one-half of the respondents were informed by their health professional to exercise more, take calcium supplements, and eat more calcium-rich foods. These findings suggest that health professionals need to assess an individual's knowledge level of osteoporosis and promote healthful osteoporosis preventive behaviors.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Osteoporosis -- Prevention
Health behavior -- Age factors
Health attitudes
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
92
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 1997 Ruby Rhines. All rights reserved
Recommended Citation
Rhines, Ruby L., "Osteoporosis: Perceived Health Beliefs and Preventive Behaviors of Men and Women 60 Years of Age and Older" (1997). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 884.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/884