Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the osteoporosis knowledge, health belief and relevant health behaviors in breast cancer patients in order to provide the guidance for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in this population.

Methods

We performed a hospital-based cross-sectional study which enrolled 100 breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated in our hospital 5 years ago. Each patient was required to accomplish a questionnaire, which consisted of general data, physical activities, dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, osteoporosis knowledge, health belief and behaviors. Measurement data were analyzed by t test,count data by χ² test.

Results

In 100 patients, the mean age was 57 years (range: 50-70 years),postmenopausal women accounted for 88% and stage Ⅰ/Ⅱbreast cancer patients accounted for 83%. Up to 51% of the patients reported having done low physical activity,27% had completed the recommended exercise amount for breast cancer patients. Totally 46% of patients had inadequate dietary intake of calcium or vitamin D; 56% had poor knowledge of osteoporosis. As for health belief,59% and 32% of the patients were unaware of the susceptibility and seriousness of osteoporosis, only 7% and 10% had relatively high level of movement disorder and eating disorder separately.Most patients(96%) had high health motivation. Patients with higher education had higher knowledge level(14.2±1.7 vs 10.7±2.3,t=8.539,P=0.000) and greater perception of susceptibility to osteoporosis(19.1±3.3 vs 17.1±3.0,t=3.233,P=0.002) compared with low education group. Patients with higher osteoporosis related knowledge level reported higher intensity of physical activity(χ²=10.471, P=0.001)and more adequate dietary calcium/vitamin D intake(χ²=5.715,P=0.017).Patients with greater perception of seriousness of osteoporosis reported higher intensity of physical activity(χ²=4.028, P=0.045) and more adequate dietary calcium/vitamin D intake (χ²=9.805, P=0.002). Patients with greater perception of susceptibility of osteoporosis reported more adequate dietary calcium/vitamin D intake(χ²=3.391, P=0.047).

Conclusion

To improve osteoporosis knowledge and health belief, and promote the adoption and maintenance of bone health related behaviors in breast cancer patients can be helpful to prevent osteoporosis and improve the quality of life.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Osteoporosis, Knowledge, Health behaviors