This study was to examine the relationships between knowledge about osteoporosis and cognitive factors in middle-aged women.

The subjects were 293 middle-aged women. Data collection was performed by using a questionnaire that included an Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale developed by Kim, Horan & Gendler (1991). Data was analyzed using the SPSS Win 10.0 program for descriptive statistics, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.

The mean osteoporosis knowledge was 14.0. The subscale means of osteoporosis health belief variables were: susceptibility 15.9, seriousness 17.2, benefits of exercise 22.9, benefits of calcium 21.4, barriers to exercise 20.9, barriers to calcium 22.5, and health motivation 18.6. The mean osteoporosis self-efficacy was 39.3 with a moderate score. There were significantly positive correlations among knowledge about osteoporosis, health belief, and self-efficacy about osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis knowledge, health belief, and osteoporosis self-efficacy are related. Therefore, knowledge through education is an important factor in behavioral changes and it contributes to increase the health belief and self-efficacy of osteoporosis.