Objective: The study investigated the role of knowledge of bone mineral density (BMD) in determining osteoporosis prevention/treatment behavior. Method: 120 Black and Hispanic women over 60 had a hip BMD (DXA). A physician or nurse explained DXA results and participants received copies. 7 months later 66 completed a follow-up telephone questionnaire. Results: 36.9% had BMD scores that met criteria for osteopenia (t-score=< -1.0 > -2.5) and 7.7% for osteoporosis (t-score=< -2.5). 41% Black and 64% Hispanic women were at increased risk for osteoporotic fractures by BMD measurements. More women at risk for osteoporotic fractures (72%) compared to women with normal BMD scores (50%) took DXA results to their physicians. 9.7% of all participants who took DXA results to their physicians received prescription for osteoporosis treatment; all of these women reported taking recommended treatment at follow-up. None of the osteoporotic participants and only 15.4% osteopenic participants were prescribed medication for osteoporosis. Conclusion: The majority complied with recommendation to consult their physicians about DXA results. When physicians recommended treatment, women reported compliance. However, despite receiving DXA reports, findings suggest physicians treating minority women do not recommend osteoporosis treatment. Those with BMD scores in osteopenic or osteoporotic range were no more likely to be treated, by physician, for osteoporosis prevention then those with normal BMD (p=.837). Data suggest an intervention for physicians on osteoporosis may be appropriate.
|
DEMOGRAPHICS AT SCREENING |
|
|
AGE |
72.7 |
|
RACE |
83% Black 17% Hispanic |
|
EDUCATION |
49% High School 3.1% College |
|
ESTROGEN |
15% |
|
FRACTURE HISTORY |
12.3% |
Learning Objectives: Identify the role of knowledge of bone mineral density in determining osteoporosis prevention and treatment behavior in older minority women.
Keywords: Minority Health, Aging
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.