Social support, knowledge, and self-efficacy as correlates of osteoporosis preventive behaviors among preadolescent females

Carolyn E. Ievers-Landis, Christopher Burant, Dennis Drotar, Larissa Morgan, Erika S. Trapl, C. Kent Kwoh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To develop and test a model based on Bandura's social cognitive theory to predict healthy lifestyle behaviors for the prevention of osteoporosis. Methods: Participants were 354 girls, ages 8 -11 years, recruited from area Girl Scout troops. Baseline data from a randomized trial of behavioral interventions are presented. Measures of social support, knowledge, self-efficacy, dietary calcium intake, and weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA) were obtained via interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Results: A structural equation model was tested and fit the data well. Family social support, perceived self-efficacy for eating a calcium-rich diet, and knowledge of WBPA significantly predicted calcium intake. Friend and family support for exercise predicted WBPA. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between family support and calcium intake, as confirmed by Holmbeck's post-hoc probing strategy (2002). Conclusions: Suggestions are made for primary prevention interventions such as parent and peer involvement, health education, and problem-solving training.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)335-345
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of pediatric psychology
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Calcium intake
  • Knowledge
  • Osteoporosis
  • Self-efficacy
  • Social support
  • Weight-bearing physical activity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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