FEARS, KNOWLEDGE, AND PERCEPTIONS OF OSTEOPOROSIS AMONG WOMEN

In an effort to quantify the effect of osteoporosis on the quality of life (QOL) of all women, a study was undertaken to develop an osteoporosis-targeted QOL questionnaire. The results presented refer to information obtained from 465 women during the item reduction phase and seem to indicate that nonosteoporotic as well as osteoporotic women are affected by the implications of the disease. The majority of women, whether osteoporotic or not, expressed fears offuture fractures and future limitations due to the disease. Nearly 48 % of nonosteoporotic women reported some fear of future limitations due to osteoporosis, while 53 % of this group reported at least occasionally being afraid of falling. Many expressed feelings of dissatisfaction with health care professionals regarding the education, treatment, and communication available on osteoporosis. Clearly, physicians need to be aware of the lack of understanding and fears regarding osteoporosis among their patients. Education of all women, young and old, regarding the disease and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is essential. Physicians should adequately assess and address their patients ’ fears and concerns regarding osteoporosis and its future impact