"I never realised how little I knew!": a pilot study of osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours

The aim of this study is to examine knowledge of osteoporosis (OP), health behaviours, and health beliefs among a sample of women in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom (N = 163; mean age = 40 years). The study was cross sectional, and data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Although women were fairly knowledgeable about some aspects of OP, gaps in knowledge were identified in relation to hereditary links, bone density scans, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), vitamin D, and specific exercise. Increased age was associated with increased perception of risk (p = 0.003). Although receipt of OP information was predictive of knowledge (p < .0005), the majority (65%) appeared to be largely unaware of the potential threat. There is an overwhelming need for wider dissemination of information about OP, especially targeting younger women, to halt the progression of this silent disease.