Management and patient knowledge of osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a bone disease contributing to annual mortalities and morbidities. Proper management is necessary to help prevent progression and further complications of the disease. This study aimed to identify risk factors, assess patients' knowledge and evaluate prescribing trends. Two questionnaires were designed and validated to identify patients' risk factors, assess knowledge of osteoporosis and evaluate the services offered and to identify prescribing trends. Sixty-five patients undergoing routine bone density scanning participated in the study with a mean age group of over 60 years. The mean lumbar T score at L2-L4 was -2.90 while the mean hip T score was -1.93 at the Ward's triangle. The commonest risk factor was a post-menopausal state (n=54), followed by lack of exercise (n=38}. Patients attained an average score of 10.2 {51%) when they were assessed on their knowledge. Bisphosphonates with calcium supplements (n=22} were the most often prescribed combination of drugs. Local prescribing trends compare to established NICE guidelines with regards to treatment and patient referral for bone, mineral density scanning. Similar to the findings in other studies, patients' knowledge of the disease remains rudimentary.