The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65760

Christine G. Unson, PhD¹, Richard H. Fortinsky, PhD², and Karen Prestwood, MD¹. (1) Claude Pepper Older Americans Independent Center, Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030-6147, (860) 679-2239, Delapaz@nso1.uchc.edu, (2) University of Connecticut Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-5215

BACKGROUND: Despite age-specific hip fracture incidence that is about half that of white women, promoting osteoporosis prevention among African-American women is critical because they have significantly worse outcomes after hip fracture than white women, including higher mortality and longer hospitalization. HYPOTHESES: African-American women on treatment for osteoporosis will know more about osteoporosis, perceive themselves more vulnerable to fracture, and view consequences of fracture more severely than non-users. METHOD: 100 African-American women, 60 years and older, were interviewed in their homes and assessed 22 knowledge items about items, the severity of 12 consequences of fractures, their vulnerability to fractures (6 items); and provided demographic information and medical history. RESULTS: The average respondent was 71 years old, had 11 years of education, and earned $18K annually. 25% were currently on treatment for osteoporosis, of whom 60% were on ERT, and the remainder on alendronate or raloxifene. Women on treatment were more likely to have 9 or more years of formal education (p=.02), have supplementary medical insurance (p=.04), and annual incomes of $12K or higher (p=.01). Although they did not differ in levels of knowledge about osteoporosis or in perceived severity of fractures, women on treatment perceived themselves more vulnerable to fractures than women not on treatment (p=.008). CONCLUSION: Education programs to increase osteoporosis and fraction prevention awareness should focus on increasing perceptions of vulnerability to fractures among African-American women, especially those not currently on treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify predictors of adoption of osteoporosis treatments among older African-American women

Keywords: African American, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.