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Osteoporosis International

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01-01-2014 | Original Article

Non-pharmacological strategies used by patients at high risk for future fracture to manage fracture risk—a qualitative study

Authors: J. E. M. Sale, M. A. Gignac, G. Hawker, D. Beaton, E. Bogoch, F. Webster, L. Frankel, V. Elliot-Gibson

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Summary

We examined patients’ self-management of bone health and fracture risk, particularly behaviors other than medication use and seeking diagnostic testing. Awareness of fracture risk was accompanied by positive lifestyle changes in participants’ lives such as being careful. Future research should evaluate how lifestyle changes mitigate fracture risk.

Introduction

We examined patients’ understanding of bone health and self-management decisions regarding bone health and fracture risk, particularly behaviors other than medication use and seeking diagnostic testing.

Methods

A phenomenological (qualitative) study was conducted. English-speaking patients, 65+ years old, who were “high risk” for future fracture and prescribed pharmacotherapy after being screened through a post-fracture osteoporosis initiative were eligible. Patients were interviewed for 1–2 h and were asked to discuss perceptions of bone health status (bone densitometry results and perceived fracture risk), recommendations received for bone health, and lifestyle changes since their most recent fracture. We analyzed the data guided by Giorgi’s methodology.

Results

We interviewed 21 fracture patients (6 males and 15 females), aged 65 to 88 years old. With the exception of one participant, all participants appeared to understand that they had low bone mass and were at risk of sustaining another fracture. Most participants (n = 20) were predominantly concerned about being careful, and they focused their responses on personal and environmental factors that they perceived to be modifiable. Participants also spoke about strategies to manage their bone health such as exercise, having a healthy diet and taking supplements, and using aids and devices. Non-pharmacological strategies used by patients appeared to be independent of current use of pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions

Awareness of fracture risk was accompanied by a number of positive lifestyle changes in participants’ lives such as being careful and engaging in exercise. Future research needs to evaluate how lifestyle changes such as being careful mitigate fracture risk.

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Title: Non-pharmacological strategies used by patients at high risk for future fracture to manage fracture risk—a qualitative study
Authors: J. E. M. Sale
M. A. Gignac
G. Hawker
D. Beaton
E. Bogoch
F. Webster
L. Frankel
V. Elliot-Gibson
Publication date: 01-01-2014
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-013-2405-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Non-pharmacological strategies used by patients at high risk for future fracture to manage fracture risk—a qualitative study

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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