Older women's views about prescription osteoporosis medication: a cross-sectional, qualitative study
UMass Chan Affiliations
Meyers Primary Care InstituteDocument Type
Journal ArticlePublication Date
2010-12-01Keywords
Age FactorsAged
Bone Density
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
*Interviews as Topic
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
Patient Preference
Prescription Drugs
Sex Factors
Women
Health Services Research
Primary Care
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a significant health problem, especially for older women. Prescription osteoporosis medication can reduce fractures, but many women do not accept treatment or discontinue treatment before benefits are achieved. OBJECTIVES: To explore older women's views about prescription osteoporosis medication use in depth and to identify specific beliefs and experiences that influence these views. METHODS: We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with women aged >/=65 years with clinically confirmed osteoporosis. Interviewees were asked about their beliefs and experiences related to osteoporosis and osteoporosis treatment. Interviews were recorded and transcribed; key themes were identified using qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Perceived need, medication effectiveness and medication safety were identified as critical influences on women's views about prescription osteoporosis medication. These perceptions were in turn influenced by various beliefs, experiences and behaviours, including interactions with the physician, personal experience and behaviours, and vicarious experience. CONCLUSIONS: Older women with osteoporosis need clear information about their condition, including the diagnosis, the implications of the diagnosis, treatment options, medication effectiveness and side effects. Physicians should check with their patients to confirm understanding and address concerns, as older women may not always voice their reservations and concerns.Source
Drugs Aging. 2010 Dec 1;27(12):999-1008. doi: 10.2165/11584790-000000000-00000. Link to article on publisher's siteDOI
10.2165/11584790-000000000-00000Permanent Link to this Item
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14038/37085PubMed ID
21087069Related Resources
Link to Article in PubMedae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.2165/11584790-000000000-00000