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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Irina V. Haller, PhD, MS¹, Colleen M. Renier, BS¹, Ana M. Fernandez, MD², and Jeanette A. Palcher, BA¹. (1) Division of Education and Research, SMDC Health System, 400 E 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55805-1983, 218-786-8185, ihaller@smdc.org, (2) Rheumatology Section, SMDC Health System, 400 E 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55805-1983

Background: Osteoporosis (OP), a bone-weakening disease, becomes common with advancing age and is associated with an increased risk of low-trauma fracture. This project provided an assessment of OP-related knowledge and behaviors in a largely rural region of the Upper Midwest. Methods: The study population included patients randomly selected from a regional health system. Current analysis is restricted to postmenopausal women with OP - diagnosed group (DG), or without OP - general group (GG). OP-related knowledge (FOOQ, Ailinger et al, 2003), behaviors, and demographics were collected between 10/1/04 and 11/15/05 by telephone interviews. Results: Respondents (n=567) were 68.1±8.4(SD) years old (61% were 65 years or older). There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Reported non-modifiable OP risks included: prior low-trauma fracture (17%DG vs. 6%GG, p<.01), history of familial OP (39%DG vs. 28%GG, p<0.01), history of steroid use (31%DG vs. 24%GG, n.s.), and menopause before age 45 (29%DG vs. 30%GG, n.s.). Most respondents had at least one non-modifiable risk (91%DG vs. 80%GG, p<.01) or lifestyle risk (76%DG vs. 88%GG, p<.01). OP knowledge scores were low in both groups (71%DG vs. 67%GG, p<.01). Most respondents correctly identified lifestyle OP risks. Relationships between knowledge about lifestyle risks and reported behaviors were similar in both groups. Discussion: High prevalence of non-modifiable OP risks suggests that OP maybe highly undiagnosed in the study region. While most women knew behavioral risks, many did not engage in osteoporosis-preventive behaviors. This assessment identified areas of need for patient education and behavior-modifying interventions on the regional level.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, the audience will be able to
• Describe differences in modifiable osteoporosis-related factors between women with or without diagnosis of osteoporosis;
• Identify areas of possible patient education and behavior-modification interventions in this population.

Keywords: Public Health Research, Community Health Assessment

Awards: Aetna Susan B. Anthony Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women and Public Health - Honorable Mention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation