Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine the effect of bone mineral density (BMD) screening via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) results on osteoporosis preventing behaviors (OPB), knowledge of osteoporosis, and health beliefs of men aged 50 years or older (N = 196) was evaluated.
DESIGN: An experimental, 2-group longitudinal design was used. The independent variable was DXA, dependent variables were osteoporosis preventing behaviors, and mediating variables were general knowledge of osteoporosis and Health Belief variables. Half of the men had low bone density. Men diagnosed to be osteoporotic increased their calcium intake.
FINDINGS: Health belief variables predicted calcium intake and/or exercise. In addition, 9 men in the experimental group were taking medications to prevent/restore bone loss at Time 3. Healthcare providers play a significant role in assessing bone loss and preventing and treating osteoporosis in men.
IMPLICATIONS: The cost of a DXA screen is far less than financial and social costs due to osteoporotic fractures.