The determinants of self-care behaviors and calcium–vitamin D intake in elderly women: a comparative study of osteoporosis and healthy counterparts

Effective management of osteoporosis requires individuals to take responsibility for following medication, exercise, and dietary guidelines. The aim of this study was to provide important insights into self-care behaviors and their determinants, especially dietary patterns related to vitamin D and calcium intake among elderly women, both healthy and those with osteoporosis. This cross-sectional descriptive-comparative study included 250 postmenopausal women aged 60 and above, consisting of 125 healthy women and 125 women with osteoporosis which conducted in Tabriz, Iran. The data collection instruments comprised a demographic questionnaire, Menopausal Self-Care Questionnaire, and Vitamin D and Calcium Food Frequency Questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to identify predictors of self-care behaviors and dietary intakes. The mean (Standard deviation: SD) total self-care score (33-165) in healthy women was higher 118.97 ± 19.92 compared to osteoporotic women 84.7 ± 14.98 (p < 0.001). Healthy women also exhibited significantly higher daily dietary intakes of calcium (850.52 ± 147.92 mg vs. 546.71 ± 60.28 mg, p < 0.001) and vitamin D (3.38 ± 0.65 mg vs. 2.0 ± 0.34 mg, p < 0.001) than osteoporotic women. Multivariate analysis identified household income, age, education, exercise, and BMI as key predictors of self-care behaviors and dietary intakes (p < 0.05) in healthy and osteoporotic elderly women. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis exhibited poorer self-care behaviors and lower calcium/vitamin D intake compared to healthy peers, with socioeconomic factors (income, education), exercise, age, and BMI as key predictors.