High-risk patients' readiness to undergo BMD testing for osteoporosis diagnosis in Pennsylvania

The objective of this study was to better understand high-risk patients' readiness to engage in bone mineral density (BMD) testing to diagnose osteoporosis. Six hundred thirty-six participants in a randomized control trial for patients at high-risk for osteoporosis were surveyed. BMD screening readiness was measured by a three-item summative index. Multivariable linear regression examined the relationship between patients' scores on the index and constructs of osteoporosis and BMD testing knowledge, concern for developing osteoporosis and self-efficacy to engage in fall prevention behaviors. Participants had a mean age of 79 years, 96% were female and 80% were white. Greater concern for developing osteoporosis and better knowledge about BMD testing were significant predictors of a higher score on the index. Improving high-risk patients' knowledge about osteoporosis and the importance of BMD testing may enhance patients' readiness to undergo BMD testing. We found several correlates of readiness to undergo BMD screening that may be used to design effective interventions.