Date Approved

1991

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Katherine Kim

Second Advisor

Mary Horan

Third Advisor

Carmen Nochera

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health beliefs (susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, health motivation and self-efficacy) and knowledge, to calcium intake. The study used a descriptive correlational design and a convenience sample of 201 women was selected. Data collection took place in a metropolitan area of west Michigan and a structured interview method was used. The subjects ranged in age from 35 to 95. Ninety-six and one half percent of the sample was white. The hypothesis--"knowledge and the health beliefs account for a significant amount of variance in calcium intake" was partially supported. Self-efficacy and knowledge were found to account for a small amount of variance in calcium intake (7.8%). Bivariate correlations for five of the seven independent variables provided some support for the relevancy of the Health Belief Model (HBM) to osteoporosis preventive behavior. Applicability of the HBM to osteoporosis prevention should be further explored.

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