Knowledge, health beliefs, and confidence level : osteoporosis prevention in young women

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Authors
Zahm, Jill E.
Advisor
Ryan, Marilyn E.
Issue Date
2008
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
School of Nursing
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Osteoporosis is a preventable disease that is usually not managed until the disease becomes evident (Sedlak Doheny & Jones, 1998). Young women may not be aware of risk factors for developing osteoporosis and may not be knowledgeable regarding preventative behaviors. A program on prevention may reduce risk factors for osteoporosis in younger women. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in knowledge about osteoporosis prevention, health beliefs and confidence levels in two groups of younger women that varies with a prevention program on osteoporosis, one group that attends the osteoporosis prevention program and the other group that does not. This is a partial replication study of Sedlak et al.'s (1998) study. The conceptual framework is the Health Belief Model (Rosenstock, 1966). The sample will consist of a total of 50 young college women attending a local university. Health beliefs and confidence levels will be measured by the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale and the Osteoporosis Self Efficacy Scale (Kim, Horan & Patel, 1991). Knowledge about osteoporosis and risk factors for its development will be measured by the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (Kim, Horan, Gendler and Patel, 1991). Findings will provide information for health care professionals regarding the teaching of osteoporosis prevention in young women.

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