Background: Older Canadian women are not meeting recommended calcium intake levels and therefore require calcium supplementation to maintain bone mass. Objective: To examine factors associated with calcium supplementation among older community-dwelling women, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a conceptual framework. Methods: Data previously collected from Ontario community-dwelling women aged 65 to 90 years (n=798) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine HBM factors associated with calcium supplement use. Results: About half (54%) of women reported taking calcium supplements. Positive correlates of calcium supplementation included: perceived osteoporosis susceptibility, perceived calcium benefits, natural health product use, residing in Toronto and general osteoporosis management factors (discussion with a physician or pharmacist, osteoporosis screening, falls history and preventive health check-ups); a negative correlate included: use of etidronate therapy. Conclusion: Only half of older women were taking calcium supplements. Discussions with healthcare practitioners may help to improve recommended calcium intake levels.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/30582 |
| Date | 07 December 2011 |
| Creators | Elias, Mary N. |
| Contributors | Cadarette, Suzanne M. |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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