Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Human Nutrition and Foods
Committee Chair
Cindy Fitch.
Abstract
This study was conducted to describe the dietary patterns, exercise behaviors and osteoporosis knowledge of college women at West Virginia University. One hundred forty-one women were recruited (ages 18--27). Mean intake of nutrients including calcium (860 +/- 369 mg/day) was reported. Calcium intake was significantly lower than the recommendation (1000 mg/day; p < 0.0001). Mean reported exercise time was 54.4 minutes/day. This was significantly greater than the recommendation of 30 minutes/day (p < 0.01). Osteoporosis knowledge was measured by questionnaire. The majority of participants were able to identify 7/14 risk factors. A T-test indicated that individuals who answered osteoporosis risk factor questions correctly had higher intakes of calcium, but were still significantly below the recommendation (p < 0.001). Results indicated that exercise time was significantly higher in individuals who answered osteoporosis risk factor questions correctly (p < 0.001). These results suggest that college women do not have adequate intakes of calcium or knowledge of osteoporosis for prevention of the disease.
Recommended Citation
Deem, Jamie Sutton, "Dietary patterns, exercise behaviors and osteoporosis knowledge of college women at West Virginia University" (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1756.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1756