Osteoporosis Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Beliefs among College Students in the USA and China

This study investigated differences in osteoporosis knowledge, self-efficacy, and health beliefs among Chinese and American college students. Information obtained will be used in developing osteoporosis prevention programs for younger adults. Methods. Chinese (n = 409) and US (n = 408) college students completed the Osteoporosis Health Belief, Self-Efficacy, and Knowledge Tests. Results. Differences were seen in osteoporosis knowledge (M-us = 14.52, M-Chinese = 11.82), exercise knowledge (M-us = 8.16, M-Chinese = 9.04), calcium knowledge (Mus = 8.47, M-Chinese = 9.73), perceptions of exercise benefits (M-us = 24.07, M-Chinese = 21.09), calcium benefits (M-us = 23.17, M-Chinese = 18.36), exercise barriers (Mus = 11.75, M-Chinese = 14.96), calcium barriers (M-us = 13.04, M-Chinese = 15), and exercise self-efficacy (Mus = 73.71, M-Chinese = 63.81). Conclusion. US college students know more about osteoporosis and its risk factors; however, there are similarities in perception of risk between US and Chinese students. Chinese students perceive greater barriers to reducing their risk through exercise and dietary calcium intake.