The Patient’s Understanding of Osteoporosis: A Study of Fracture and Orthopaedic Clinic Attenders

Abstract

A questionnaire study of patients attending fracture and orthopaedic clinics was carried out and revealed that 98% of respondents had heard of osteoporosis, with 93% being familiar enough to attempt a definition. Of these, 76% of patients were deemed to have given approximately correct definitions. 13 % respondents correctly defined osteoporosis as reduced bone density.

Male patients had less understanding and knowledge than female. Only 31% of patients thought they were at risk, though 67% had multiple risk factors. A smaller number of patients (27%) had discussed the disease with their general practitioner.

The literature is reviewed and the implications of the study are discussed.

Key Words:

• osteoporosis
• fracture
• orthopaedic
• clinic