Osteoporosis knowledge and attitudes: A cross-sectional study among college-age students

Objective: The authors' purpose in this study was to investigate the influence of knowledge of osteoporosis, attitudes regarding osteoporosis, and knowledge of dietary calcium on dairy product intake in both male and female college-age students. Participants: The authors conducted this cross-sectional study on 911 men and women enrolled in 2 demographically similar universities. Methods: A modified osteoporosis knowledge questionnaire assessed participant's general osteoporosis knowledge and perceived disease risk. Results: The authors found that knowledge of osteoporosis and calcium did not significantly influence dairy product intake. Attitude regarding osteoporosis was a significant predictor of dairy product intake in men but was not significant for the women. Conclusions: The authors recommend development and implementation of educational programs designed to increase awareness of calcium-rich food sources as well as other risk factors of this crippling disease.