Reviewer’s report
Title: 
The Association of Osteoporosis Knowledge and Beliefs with Preventive
Behaviors in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
Version: 
0 
Date: 
01 Jun 2021
Reviewer: 
Iztok Takač
Reviewer's report:
BMWH-D-21-00092
"Osteoporosis Knowledge, Beliefs, and Preventive Behaviors in Postmenopausal
Breast Cancer Survivors"
General remarks
The authors performed a study in which they assessed the association between
osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs, receipt of bone mineral density, and
osteoporosis preventive behaviors among postmenopausal breast cancer
survivors. In this cross-sectional study, early stage postmenopausal breast cancer
survivors with diabetes mellitus completed the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz,
Osteoporosis Health Beliefs Scale, and Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors cross-
sectional questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression assessed factors
associated with engagement in strength-training exercise. Mean age was 66.1
years with 20% self-reporting as non-Hispanic White, 40% non-Hispanic Black,
27% Hispanic, and 13% other. Osteoporosis knowledge (10.5±3.4), seriousness
(14.9±3.8), and susceptibility (14.0±3.5) mean scores were low. Most (75%)
postmenopausal breast cancer survivors were adherent to calcium and vitamin D
supplements, but only 47% reported engagement in strength-training exercises.
Married/partnered, higher osteoporosis knowledge and health motivation scores
were associated with exercise. After adjustment of marital status and
osteoporosis knowledge, only health motivation was associated with exercise.
Authors concluded that postmenopausal breast cancer survivors are motivated to
keep a healthy lifestyle despite limited osteoporosis knowledge, perceived risk,
and susceptibility. However, <50% participated in strength-training exercise.
Moreover they found that oncologic care should include osteoporosis and
fracture prevention strategies, directed at encouraging cancer survivors to
increase engagement in strength-training exercises and calcium intake.
The topic is very interesting and could serve as a good basis for further research.
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