Osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and DXA T-scores in men and women 50 years of age and older

PURPOSE: To compare the knowledge of osteoporosis, revised health belief model variables (RHBM), and DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) T-scores among men and women 50 years of age and older. DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis that used 218 healthy community-based women 50 to 65 years of age and 226 healthy community-based men >= 50 years of age. Data for women were collected for 18 months during 2001-2003, and data for men were collected for 18 months during 2004-2006. The variables were knowledge of osteoporosis, RHBM variables (susceptibility, seriousness, benefits and barriers of calcium intake and of exercise, health motivation, self-efficacy of calcium intake and exercise), and DXA T-scores. METHOD: The women and men completed an osteoporosis questionnaire prior to having a DXA screening test. A total of 190 women and 187 men had DXA scans. FINDINGS: More than half of the sample had abnormal bone density scans. Knowledge of osteoporosis was low for women and even lower for men. Seven of the nine health belief variables were associated with gender. Women perceived osteoporosis to be serious and that they were susceptible. Men did not perceive osteoporosis to be serious or that they were susceptible. Men were more health motivated and more confident of their ability to engage in exercise.