Patient Perceptions and Preferences for Osteoporosis Treatment

Despite the high prevalence, morbidity, and treatment costs for osteoporosis-related fractures, studies have shown that patients infrequently receive the recommended treatment for low bone density (LBD). This study investigated patient perceptions about evaluation, management, and willingness to pursue osteoporosis treatment to further elucidate potential barriers to LBD treatment.

A survey was prospectively administered to patients over 50 years old addressing patient history of fragility fractures and osteoporosis evaluation and treatment, medication administration preferences, and willingness to start a new medication to treat or prevent future fragility fractures.

Three hundred twenty-five patients completed surveys (63.1% women, 36.9% men; mean age, 64.1 years). Patients reported the following: 50.8% had taken supplements or medication for LBD. Patients who had never taken LBD prescription medications were asked about their willingness to take these medications if physician-recommended. The mean response on a 0 to 10 scale was 7.3 ± 3.2, which was not significantly different between fracture or bone density subgroups. Several barriers to taking LBD medications were identified: 85.7% said no medical provider had prescribed them; 14.0% stated they already took too many medications; 10.4% were afraid of potential side effects; 4.3% had conflicting provider recommendations; and 1.8% cited financial concerns.

Patients held a favorable opinion on taking LBD medications when prescribed. Although 29.8% of patients had an abnormal dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) result, 85.7% of all patients reported that no medical provider had prescribed LBD medications. A sizeable gap remains between current practice and optimal osteoporosis education and management.

Despite the large reported and increasing prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with upper extremity fragility fractures, the rate of treatment for LBD remains suboptimal.