Purpose: The purpose of this theory-based descriptive study was to describe older men's (> or = 65 years of age) knowledge of osteoporosis, their health beliefs about osteoporosis (specifically their perceived susceptibility), their confidence to perform osteoporosis-prevention behaviors, and actual performance of osteoporosis-prevention behaviors.
Design: A descriptive design was used to determine men's knowledge and health beliefs of osteoporosis, confidence to perform osteoporosis prevention behaviors, and performance of osteoporosis prevention behaviors.
Sample: A community-based convenience sample of 138 men 65 years of age and older was obtained in Northeastern Ohio community centers where men were likely to gather.
Method: Men completed a questionnaire that included the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale (Kim, Horan & Gendler, 1991), and the Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey (Doheny & Sedlak, 1995).
Main research classifications: Osteoporosis, Men, Prevention, Health Beliefs, Orthopaedic Nursing.
Findings: Men had poor knowledge of osteoporosis, did not perceive themselves as susceptible to osteoporosis, and engaged in few osteoporosis preventing behaviors such as weight-bearing exercises and dietary calcium intake.
Conclusion: Men need osteoporosis education and modification of lifestyle to include osteoporosis prevention behaviors.
Implications for nursing research: Future research should include the development of osteoporosis awareness programs for men.