AUTHOR=Wang Yichen , Li Chenrui , Chang Ruijie , Qiao Yongxia , Cai Yong , Shen Tian 

TITLE=Predicting osteoporosis preventive behaviors in middle-aged and older urban Shanghai residents: a health belief model-based path analysis in a multi-center population study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235251

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235251

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Background: Osteoporosis represents a significant health concern as a widespread metabolic bone condition. In this study, we aim to utilize path analysis to examine the intricate relationships among demographic information, Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs and osteoporosis preventive behavior among Shanghai residents over 40 years of age.Methods: A multi-center population study was conducted in twenty volunteer communities in Shanghai, China. Out of the 2000 participants who volunteered, 1903 completed the field survey.Results: 56.0% participants were females. Their mean age was 63.64 ± 10.30 years. The self-efficacy score among females (42.27 ± 15.82) was also significantly higher than that among males (40.68 ±   15.20). in the pathway analysis. In the path analysis preventive behaviors were significantly predicted by education (β = 0.082, p<0.001), knowledge (β = 0.132, p<0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.392, p<0.001) Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of gender, education, knowledge and self-efficacy in promoting OP preventive behaviors using the Health Belief Model. The findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions to address the specific needs of different demographic groups.