Factors Associated with Perceptions and Self-Care Behaviors among Individuals at Risk of Osteoporosis in Trang Hospital

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study aimed to examine the levels of perceptions and self-care behaviors, and to explore the relationships between personal factors, health belief model constructs, and self-care behaviors among individuals at risk of osteoporosis in Trang Hospital. A total of 142 participants were purposively selected from the Orthopedic Clinic of Trang Hospital between July and October 2025. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Thai version of the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS), and a self-care behavior questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, Spearman's rank correlation, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for data analysis by statistic siqnificant at 0.05

The results indicated that participants had a high overall level of osteoporosis‑related perceptions (M = 4.12, SD = 0.62), with perceived benefits of exercise yielding the highest mean score (M = 4.35,
SD = 0.79). Overall self-care behaviors were at a moderate level (M = 3.04, SD = 0.71). Perceived severity of osteoporosis (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), perceived benefits of exercise (r = 0.23, p < 0.05), and perceived benefits of calcium intake (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) were significantly positively correlated with overall self-care behaviors. Among personal factors, age was negatively correlated (r = -0.48 to -0.38, p < 0.01), while education level (rₛ = 0.68) and income (r = 0.43) were positively correlated with self-care behaviors (p < 0.01). Health promotion programs should focus on enhancing perceived benefits and reducing perceived barriers, especially among older adults and those with lower education. Community‑based interventions are recommended.