Osteoporosis Knowledge of Older Women with Fragility Fractures: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Latent Profile...

This study aimed to investigate osteoporosis knowledge (OK) profiles among older women with fragility fractures using latent profile analysis, identify subgroup characteristics, and explore associated factors.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 9212 older women with fragility fractures covering 31 provinces in China from September to November 2023. The survey utilized a self-designed general information questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were employed to analyze associated factors. Latent Profile Analysis was applied to classify the older women with fragility fractures based on their OK levels, and multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing their OK levels.

Older women with fragility fractures were classified into five distinct latent profiles according to their OK levels: Low OK group (9.9%), Medium-Low OK group (11.1%), High OK group (50.9%), Medium OK group (18.8%), and High awareness and low management group (9.3%). Key factors influencing the classification of OK levels included marital status, BMI, education level, filial care, postoperative self-care ability, receipt of anti-osteoporosis therapy, use of calcium or vitamin D supplements, perceived necessity of fall prevention, receipt of health education, content of health education, and methods of health education delivery.

The OK levels of older women with fragility fractures can be stratified into five distinct profiles. Understanding the heterogeneity of OK levels and its associated factors among this population offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals to formulate targeted interventions. This study makes a significant contribution to the advancement of secondary prevention strategies for osteoporosis.