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. 2003 Jul-Aug;28(5):335-45.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsg023.

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

Carolyn E Ievers-Landis  1 , Christopher Burant, Dennis Drotar, Larissa Morgan, Erika S Trapl, C Kent Kwoh
Affiliations

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

Carolyn E Ievers-Landis et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2003 Jul-Aug.

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.

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