Determinants of calcium intake for prevention of osteoporosis among students: Application of the health belief model

Abstract

Osteoporosis reduces quality and bone density and increases fracture risk increasingly. The most important protective factors for osteoporosis are dairy products and calcium supplements. This study assesses the determinants of calcium intake in prevention of osteoporosis among students, based on health belief model. Students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences participated in this descriptive-analytical study. The total number of participants in this study was 239 students who were studied with informed and voluntary consent. Instrument for data collection, was a valid and reliable questionnaire (including 9 demographic characteristics questions, 24 questions in health belief model constructs and standardized questionnaire FFQ. Data were analyzed SPSS version18 Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. Mean degree of calcium intake was 945.63 +/- 629.19 mg/day. Between mean degree of calcium intake and susceptibility and perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis and perceived barriers of calcium intake and education level of mother there was a significant relationship (P<0.05). In this study there was no significant relationship between calcium intake and other constructs of HBM (P>0.05). According to multiple regression analysis, perceived barriers was the strongest predictor for calcium intake (beta = -0.14, P < 0.05). According to the results it is recommended that future studies be conducted with a holistic view to identify determinants associated with calcium intake. Also educational interventions should be designed and implemented to change students attitude towards osteoporosis and resolve calcium intake barriers.