Calcium consumption for osteoporosis prevention: knowledge, attitudes and behavior in the northeastern region, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE Identified Thai adults' knowledge and attitudes towards calcium and determined factors predicting calcium consumption. MATERIAL AND METHOD One thousand four hundred seventy five Thai adults, aged > or = 20 years old were interviewed, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Knowledge about role of calcium and good sources of calcium was measured using 17 questions. Attitudes towards calcium were measured with 10 opinion statements, using 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). Calcium consumption, based on a 24-hour recall, was assessed using food frequency checklists and open-ended questions. RESULTS The median score for knowledge was 15 (IQR: 12, 16; total possible score: 17). The overall median of attitudinal score was 5.6 (IQR: 4.9, 6.1; cronbach's alpha = 0.80). Approximately 10.9% consumed adequate amounts of calcium (800 mg/day). CONCLUSION Factors significantly determining the likelihood an adequate intake of calcium were age < 35 years, support from peers and taking calcium-supplements.