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 (M(us) = 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 (M(us) = 11.75, M(Chinese) = 14.96), calcium barriers (M(us) = 13.04, M(Chinese) = 15), and exercise self-efficacy (M(us) = 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.