The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with calcium (Ca) intake in female high school students. Survey participants consisted of female high school students and their mothers. Survey questionnaire items comprised participants’ personal attributes, dietary intake, and awareness of osteoporosis. Valid responses (33.6%) collected from 216 mother-daughter pairs were included in the analysis. The participants’ nutrient intake and dietary intake by food group were calculated. The students were then divided into two groups based on their Ca intake: a Ca-sufficient group and a Ca-deficient group. The students’ average Ca intake was lower than the estimated average requirement (550 mg/day). Nutrient density of Ca in the Ca-deficient group was significantly lower than in the Ca-sufficient group (p＜0.01). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis (stepwise method) revealed that the students’ Ca intake was significantly associated with the intake of milk, beans, and nuts (p＜0.01). Additionally, mothers of students in the Ca-sufficient group had a significantly higher intake of milk than mothers of students in the Ca-deficient group, which was significantly associated with milk intake (p＜0.01). As regards osteoporosis awareness, a significant in ter-generational difference was observed between mothers and daughters (p＜0.01), but there was no difference between the students’ Ca-sufficient and Ca-deficient groups (p＜0.05).
Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be said that in order to increase female high school students’ Ca intake, it is necessary to educate them on the importance of maintaining bone health throughout life. Moreover, to attain and maintain behavioral changes in students, it may be necessary to examine approaches that take the actual circumstances of the students into account.
