Do patients perceive a link between a fragility fracture and osteoporosis?

• Main Authors: Thabane Lehana, Papaioannou Alexandra, Giangregorio Lora, deBeer Justin, Cranney Ann, Dolovich Lisa, Adili Anthony, Adachi Jonathan D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-03-01
• Series: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/9/38

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To evaluate factors associated with whether patients associate their fracture with future fracture risk.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fragility fracture patients participated in a telephone interview. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR, [95% CI]) were calculated to identify factors associated with whether patients associate their fracture with increased fracture risk or osteoporosis. Predictors identified in univariate analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression models.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>127 fragility fracture patients (82% female) participated in the study, mean (SD) age 67.5 (12.7) years. An osteoporosis diagnosis was reported in 56 (44%) participants, but only 17% thought their fracture was related to osteoporosis. Less than 50% perceived themselves at increased risk of fracture. The odds of an individual perceiving themselves at increased risk for fracture were higher for those that reported a diagnosis of osteoporosis (OR 22.91 [95%CI 7.45;70.44], p < 0.001), but the odds decreased with increasing age (0.95 [0.91;0.99], p<0.009). The only variable significantly associated with the perception that the fracture was related to osteoporosis was self-reported osteoporosis diagnosis (39.83 [8.15;194.71], p<0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Many fragility fracture patients do not associate their fracture with osteoporosis. It is crucial for physicians to communicate to patients that an osteoporosis diagnosis, increasing age or a fragility fracture increases the risk for future fracture.</p>