| Summary: | 碩士 === 中山醫學大學 === 醫學研究所 === 97 === Taking calcium supplements is considered a health behavior to prevent osteoporosis and fractures among elderly. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between the change of the habit to take calcium supplements and background variables of elderly in Taiwan. A population based sample followed from 1999 to 2003. A total of 1393 elderly (age>70) who had no preexistent habit of taking calcium supplements completed the follow-up. We collected data including background information, health behaviors, preexistent disease, the habit of taking alternative medicine and nutrition supplements. The outcome variable is whether the elderly changed into taking calcium supplements on 2003.
The prevalence of the use of calcium supplements ( age>70 y/o) is 14.7% in 1999 and 16.1% in 2003. The logistic regression showed that female, higher education level, regular exercise, and taking multivitamins and minerals are predictive factors of taking calcium supplements after 4-year follow-up. Other associated variables are : not living alone, no smoking, acceptable financial status, and diabetes mellitus. In the subgroup of female, education level, financial status, and regular exercise are associated with taking calcium supplements. In male, education level, not living alone and having diabetes mellitus are associated with taking calcium supplements. Osteoporosis, hip fractures and recent falls were not found to be associated with taking calcium supplements in elderly. The elderly who had high risk of osteoporosis and fracture did not take calcium supplements as prevention of fractures or osteoporosis. Further effort should focus on introducing more health education to the elderly, especially those who have risks.
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