Osteoporosis prevention habits: Investigating physical activity and dietary practices

Osteoporosis poses a significant public health burden due to population aging. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate osteoporosis prevention habits regarding physical activity and dietary practices among 210 adults using a self-administered questionnaire during July 2023 to December 2023. The results showed that while over 70% of participants are engaged in the recommended levels of physical activity, barriers like lack of motivation and time were commonly reported. Just 38% performed weight bearing exercises beneficial for bone health. Around 40% reported adequate dietary calcium but only 22% consumed enough Vitamin D. Significant knowledge gaps regarding osteoporosis risk factors were observed although a third had undergone relevant screening tests. A significant association was found between dietary awareness and osteoporosis knowledge. This highlights the need to promote lifestyle modifications for osteoporosis prevention through awareness drives and community programs focusing especially on high-risk individuals.


INTRODUCTION
Low bone mass and structural degeneration of bone tissue are the two hallmarks of osteoporosis, a widespread skeletal condition that affects a significant number of people.This disorder causes the bones to become more fragile, which in turn increases the probability that they may fracture.An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with osteoporosis, which poses a significant obstacle for the management of public health.This comes as a result of the fact that the average age of the world's population is increasing.According to Yoshihara et al., (2024), it is of the utmost importance to ensure that preventative strategies are put into place in order to decrease the burden that this incapacitating condition places on both individuals and healthcare systems.
Over the course of the last few years, there has been a growing focus placed on the role that lifestyle factors have in the prevention of osteoporosis.There has

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Medical Science 28, e22ms3309 (2024) 2 of 11 been a lot of focus placed on the notion that the patterns of nutrition and physical exercise are particularly notable in terms of their significance.A large quantity of physical activity, which includes both weight-bearing exercises and resistance training, is required in order to keep bone health and density in good condition.The significance of this as an important component has been emphasized.In a similar vein, dietary choices wield a large amount of impact.This is due to the fact that certain minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, are essential for the formation of bone and the preservation of bone strength.
With a specific focus on the dynamic that exists between dietary habits and physical activity, the objective of this research is to explore the complex interaction that occurs between osteoporosis preventative strategies such as food and exercise.Our goal is to get a better knowledge of the influence that these two significant factors of lifestyle have, both individually and collectively, on bone health via the examination of these two crucial parts of their lives.In addition, the objective of this study is to ascertain the potential challenges and possibilities that individuals have when it comes to adhering to the behaviors that are recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis (Shi et al., (2024) as stated in the previous sentence).
This research is significant because it has the potential to produce information that may be utilized to impact targeted therapies and public health campaigns that are aimed at promoting lifestyle changes that are sustainable.This is the reason why this study is so important.It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships that exist between osteoporosis prevention, dietary behaviors, and physical activity in order to be able to create successful measures to lower the burden of osteoporotic fractures and promote the general well-being of aging populations (He et al., 2024).This understanding is necessary in order to create successful measures.

Objectives
We anticipate that the findings of this research will provide valuable insights to the scientific community, particularly those working in the healthcare field, as well as to those who influence policy decisions.As we get started on this investigation, this is something that we are taking into consideration.This comprehensive research of the factors that impact osteoporosis preventative measures may, in the end, pave the way for ways that are better customized to the specific needs of individuals and more easily available in order to improve bone health and prevent the development of this debilitating condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study utilized a quantitative approach involving surveys to collect data on osteoporosis prevention habits related to physical activity and dietary practices.

Study duration
Study was conducted during July 2023 to December 2023.

Study Design and Setting
A non-experimental cross-sectional study design was used.This design was chosen as it allows for collection of data at a specific point in time to examine relationships between variables.The study setting was the local community.

Study Population and Sampling
The target population comprised adults aged 18 years and above who resided in the local community.The convenience sampling method recruited 210 participants.The sample size was determined using G*Power analysis to provide 80% power for detecting effects.
The sample size was determined using the following formula for calculating minimum required sample size for a given power: Based on this formula, targeting 80% power and a moderate effect size, the minimum required sample size was calculated to be 210 participants.

Data Collection and Instrument
Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire.The questionnaire consisted of closed-ended questions on participants' demographics, physical activity habits, dietary practices, osteoporosis knowledge and screening status.The questionnaire was reviewed by experts to ensure face and content validity.Reliability analysis showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.702).

Data Analysis
Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.Descriptive analysis such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize respondents' characteristics and survey responses.Inferential statistics (Chi-square test) was also used to determine associations between variables.The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS
In evaluated the study's reliability, an acceptable reliability coefficient that supports the consistency of measurements is identified.
Frequency distribution examination of demographic information reveals a varied age range and a balanced representation of genders.
In general, participants in different age groups report different levels of general health.Some respondents' physical activity habits reveal an apparent lack of activity, and barriers including time constraints and low motivation are observed.Participants' dietary habits reveal a range of perceptions, demonstrated by the varying degrees of trust they exhibit in them.
The consumption of foods high in vitamin D varies, providing insight into dietary decisions.Participants' knowledge of osteoporosis varies, and some have undergone screening.A person's family history, personal health goals, and healthcare recommendations are all influencing variables.Last but not least, the chi-square test reveals a significant association between osteoporosis knowledge level and knowledge of the association between vitamin D and calcium, highlighting the significance of dietary awareness in comprehending and preventing osteoporosis.

Evaluation of Reliability
The purpose of this method is to determine the amount of reliable and unreliable data.While the other questions reliability is calculated, but the demographic variables' reliability is not calculated.

Analysis of Demographic Variables
We initially utilize frequency distribution and graphs for all demographic characteristics variables in order to assess the demographic variables of this study, "Osteoporosis Prevention Habits: Investigating Physical Activity and Dietary Practices".

Gender
Table 2, 107 participants were male, making up 51% of the sample as a whole, while 103 participants were female, making up 49%.The basically equal mix of male and female participants (51% and 49%, respectively) shows the efforts that have been made to guarantee that both genders have equal representation among the 210 participants in the study.

Current Status of Overall Health of the Participants
Table 4 explore an overview of the participants' current overall health.The majority of participants feel good of their health; 24.8% feel it's excellent and 26.7% feel it's good.27.1% of respondents think their health is fair, while 21.4% think their health is poor.This is a significant percentage of the population.This varied distribution provides an expanded understanding of the surveyed persons' overall health perceptions by representing the different perspectives on health within the study participant pool.

Engage in Physical Activity
Table 5 focused on the inquiry that asks participants about their average weekly physical activity such as walking, jogging, swimming etc., with an emphasis on patterns of physical activity.However, 28.1% of respondents claimed they did not engage in any physical

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Medical Science 28, e22ms3309 (2024) activity, which shows the lack of physical activity that many people in the study sample lived.The distribution of people who engage in physical activity is differed: 21.9% do this on 1-2 days per week, 25.7% for 3-4 days, and 24.3% for 5 or more days per week.This comprehensive evaluation provides helpful data about the variety of physical activity habits among the participants, enabling a thorough comprehension of their health-related routines and improving the investigation of factors impacting the prevention of osteoporosis.

Weight Bearing Exercises
The data represents participants' participation in weight-bearing exercises intended to promote bone health (Table 7).However, 38.1% of respondents indicated they actively engage in weight-bearing exercises, suggesting that a significant percentage of the study's population makes bone-strengthening activities a regular component of their routines.On the other hand, 30% expressed hesitation and 31.9%stated they would not be participating.This comprehensive examination clarifies the frequency of participants' deliberate bone health-focused exercise, offering useful details about their proactive strategies to osteoporosis prevention.

Barriers to Physical Activity
In respond to the question about perceived difficulties, participants identifying lack of time as a concern.32 percent of respondents identified motivational difficulties, and 37 percent indicated physical limits as a major barrier.This analysis offers a thorough grasp of the various obstacles that participant's face, which is helpful in modifying interventions to target particular obstacles and encouraging consistent physical activity for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Overall Dietary Habits
Table 9 explores the overall dietary habits of the individuals and offers an understanding of their self-reported eating habits.According to the findings, 29.5% of participants believe their eating habits are good, and 27.6% believe they are excellent.Furthermore, 21.4% of respondents think their eating habits are fair, while another 21.4% think they are poor.The above study highlights the variability in the dietary self-perceptions of the participants, hence providing significant knowledge into their eating habits with regard to the prevention of osteoporosis.

Calcium-Rich Foods Consumption
Table 10 examines the calcium, -rich food that the participants eat, providing information about their dietary habits that are relevant to bone health.According to the findings, 39.5% of participants claimed they eat adequate amount of calcium-rich food.On the other hand, 27.1% of respondents are not sure about their calcium intake, while 33.3% indicate not doing so.This analysis emphasizes the variety of dietary habits among participants, providing significant knowledge on the study population's use of foods that are rich in calcium and its possible influence on the prevention of osteoporosis.

Calcium Sources in the Diet
Table 11 looks at the participants' sources of calcium in their diets and provides information on their eating habits in relation to bone health.The results show that dairy products supply 36.7% of the participants' calcium intake, whereas leafy green vegetables supply 31.0%.Moreover, fortified foods account for 32.4% of the calcium intake.This breakdown provides important information regarding

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Medical Science 28, e22ms3309 (2024) the diverse dietary sources of calcium within the study group, which advances a more nuanced understanding of the participants' nutritional choices with regard to the topic of osteoporosis prevention.

Vitamin D Rich Food Consumption
Table 12 looks at how frequently people eat foods containing vitamin D, giving insight into their eating patterns related to bone health.
The results show that while 21.9% of people get their vitamin D from meals every day, just 25.2% of people get it from meals once a week.Moreover, 30.5% of respondents say they regularly consume vitamin D, but 22.4% say they eat foods high in vitamin D infrequently or never.The aforementioned breakdown offers crucial insights into the nutritional decisions that could impact the prevention of osteoporosis by illustrating the diverse frequency of vitamin D-rich food consumption across the study participants.

Risk Factors of Familiarity with Osteoporosis
Table 13 assesses the participants' familiarity with osteoporosis and its risk factors, which helps to explore their expertise in this area of research.According to the poll results, 34.8% of respondents claimed to know a great deal about osteoporosis, compared to 33.3% who believed they understood somewhat about it.Moreover, 31.9% of respondents claimed to know absolutely nothing about osteoporosis.
By highlighting the various awareness levels among participants, this breakdown aids in the creation of a comprehensive picture of their knowledge base on osteoporosis prevention.

Osteoporosis Screening OR Bone Density Test
In order to analyse the respondents' proactive health habits, Table 14 looks at their participation in osteoporosis screening and bone density examinations.The data show that 32.9% of individuals had screening, indicating that some of them keep a close check on their bone health.However, 31.9% have not undergone any screening, and 35.2% are unaware about their screening status.This breakdown offers useful information on the prevalence of osteoporosis screening in the study population as well as a foundation for assessing the health-conscious behaviours related to bone health that the participants engaged in.

Sources of Information on Bone Health
The many sources that people use to learn about bone health are examined in (Table 15).According to the findings, although 27.6% of participants use websites and the internet, 24.3% of participants rely on healthcare professionals for information.In addition, 21.4% explore through other sources of information while 26.7% ask friends and family for advice.The above study offers significant perspectives on the diverse methods by which participants obtain knowledge about bone health, thereby advancing a thorough comprehension of the variables impacting their knowledge base concerning the prevention of osteoporosis.

Motivational Factors for Adopting Bone Health Habits
Table 16 explores the motivations behind participants' adoption of bone-healthy habits.The information shows that 25.2% of participants have been influenced by a family history of osteoporosis, whereas 20.5% of participants are motivated by personal health goals.Furthermore, 28.6% mention other motivational causes, and 25.7% adhere to healthcare practitioner advice.This breakdown clarifies the various motivational factors that participants used to adopt bone-healthy behaviors, offering significant knowledge into the complex nature of their health-related decision-making processes in regard to osteoporosis prevention.The strengths of this study include a robust sample size with both genders equally represented and across diverse age groups and health status.However, the convenience sampling and self-reported data need to be highlighted as key limitations.Further studies could focus on objective measurements to validate findings.Overall, this study makes a meaningful contribution by highlighting specific gaps in knowledge and lifestyle habits that must be addressed to tackle the growing burden of osteoporosis.The results provide vital cues for developing targeted public health strategies to promote bone health.

CONCLUSION
This study provides vital insights into the lifestyle habits, knowledge levels and motivators related to osteoporosis prevention among adults.While a majority were physically active, specific gaps were identified including lack of weight bearing/bone strengthening exercises and inadequate calcium and Vitamin D intake.Alarming osteoporosis knowledge gaps were also revealed.The significant link between nutritional awareness and health literacy regarding bone health underscores the importance of using dietary guidance and education as a tool for prevention.The findings will help develop targeted public health strategies involving awareness drives, screening initiatives and community-based programs to promote sustainable bone-healthy behaviors among high-risk groups.Further studies can explore platform solutions like technology and workplace wellness models for greater impact.

Table 1
Evaluation of Reliability The measure's reliability, as demonstrated by the value of 0.702 in Table1, indicates to a moderate acceptable level of assessment consistency.This value, which usually ranges from 0 to 1, represents how consistent and reliable the measurements are.An acceptable degree of internal consistency is shown by a reliability coefficient of 0.702, which supports the reliability of the study's measurement results.

Table 2
Gender wise distribution of the participants

Table 3
shows the distribution of research participants by age group.The age group of 35-44 constitutes the greatest percentage of the sample (17.1%), followed by the 55-64 age group (16.7%).Participants under the age of 18, and those 65 years of age or older make up 10.5% and 14.3%, respectively.Due to the wide representation, the study's age demography is ensured, which helps people from many walks of life possess an improved understanding of the issue at hand.

Table 3
Age wise distribution of the participants

Table 4
Overall Health

Table 5
Engage in Physical ActivityTable6explore the distribution of participants according to the level of physical activity.Similarly, 35.7% of participants, or most of them, participate in moderate activities like walking.Furthermore, 32.4% engage in harder activities like running, while 31.9%engage in moderately intense activities like cycling.This breakdown demonstrates the variety of physical activities that study participants engaged in, offering significant information on the range of exercise intensities that were common among the group assessed.The information mentioned above enhances the overall comprehension of the kinds of physical activities that individuals integrate into their daily regimens, a crucial component in investigating their influence on the prevention of osteoporosis.

Table 7
Participation in Weight-Bearing Exercises

Table 8
Facing Barriers to Physical Activity

Table 9
Participants Overall Dietary Habits

Table 10
Consuming Adequate amount of Calcium-rich Food

Table 11
Dietary sources of the calcium

Table 12
Consumption of Vitamin D

Table 15
Sources of Information on Bone Health

Table 16
Motivational Factors Influencing Participants to Adopt Lifestyle Bone Health HabitsChi-square test is a statistical technique used to check the association between the two or more variables.For this study, we use the chisquare test for awareness of vitamin D and calcium connection and osteoporosis knowledge level.The aim of this analysis is to investigate the potential association between participant's awareness of the vitamin D and calcium connection and their level of osteoporosis knowledge.osteoporosis knowledge does indicate nutrition education as an impactful tool in driving osteoporosis prevention.Future studies can also identify the best educational platforms whether via health professionals, community workers or technology led solutions.