DXA, health beliefs, and osteoporosis prevention behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

This experimental longitudinal study was designed to examine the relationship between having a bone density through dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) and osteoporosis preventing behaviors (OPB) among healthy postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Subjects were 203 healthy community-based women 50-65 years of age. Mediating variables were general knowledge of osteoporosis and revised health belief model variables. Treatment group women (n = 101) had a DXA screen and control group women (n = 102) did not. Study questionnaires were completed at three time points; initially and at 6 months and 12 months.

RESULTS

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed treatment group women scored significantly higher on perceived susceptibility and calcium intake. Wilks's Lambda F revealed a significant difference in use of osteoporosis preventing medications.

DISCUSSION

Personal knowledge gained from DXAs increased perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis, calcium intake, and use of osteoporosis preventing medications and appears to be an effective intervention in promoting OPB in younger postmenopausal women.