The purpose of this study is to identify the practical knowledge about osteoporosis and health promoting behavior possessed by male and female university students in their twenties. Next, the study seeks to analyze the difference in the degree of knowledge and practice of health promoting behavior depending on the students’ area of study (health-related or non-health-related major) and previous education about osteoporosis. A survey was given to 300 male and female university students in Jeju Island from November 18 to December 6, 2013. Regarding knowledge about osteoporosis, the accuracy rate of health science major participants was 16.8 % higher than that of those of non-health science, and the accuracy rate of participants with previous education about osteoporosis was 12.9 % higher than those who had not. Health promoting behavior showed a higher degree of practice among students in health-related majors and those with previous applicable education. There were significant differences between the knowledge of osteoporosis and major and the presence and absence of prior education. Regarding the degree of health promoting behavior and major, the presence or absence of prior education showed significant differences. Among male and female students in their twenties, the recognition of knowledge about osteoporosis is very low. There is a need to develop various programs that focus on osteoporosis prevention rather than treatment, to improve the quality of education and training content according to the individual, and to lower the target age for osteoporosis education.

• Hyun Sook Hwang(Cheju Halla University)