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Older men's explanatory model for osteoporosis
Samantha L Solimeo1, Thomas J Weber, Deborah T Gold
1Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA. samantha.solimeo@va.gov
The Gerontologist
|February 12, 2011
Summary
Men with osteoporosis have explanatory models differing from clinical views, impacting their bone health behaviors and treatment adherence. Understanding these male perspectives is crucial for improving osteoporosis care and education.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Bone Health
- Men's Health
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant health concern, particularly in aging populations.
- Men's experiences and understanding of osteoporosis are under-researched compared to women's.
- Developing men's explanatory models is key to understanding their health behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore men's lived experiences with osteoporosis.
- To develop an understanding of men's explanatory models for osteoporosis.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study involving interviews with community-residing men aged 50+ diagnosed with osteoporosis.
- Participants recruited from a hospital-affiliated bone clinic.
- Data collected via questionnaires and open-ended interviews, analyzed inductively.
Main Results:
- Men perceive osteoporosis as a bone disease increasing fracture risk and causing pain.
- Diagnosis relies on bone mineral density (BMD) scores; progression linked to decreased BMD, increased pain, or new fractures.
- Men express reluctance towards medication, dissatisfaction with side effects, and question long-term efficacy/safety data.
Conclusions:
- Men's explanatory models for osteoporosis differ significantly from clinical models.
- These discrepancies highlight the importance of gender in osteoporosis outcomes and health behaviors.
- There is a clear need for increased advocacy and targeted educational efforts for men at risk or diagnosed with osteoporosis.
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