How Do Osteoporotic Fractures Change Women's Perceptions of Future Risk?

Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 26 Jan 2005 - 5:00 PDT


In a qualitative study of 22 women over the age of 40 who had experienced an osteoporotic fracture in the previous year, researchers found that only a minority recognized their previous fracture as an indicator of increased susceptibility for future fractures and committed themselves to long-term prevention.

The majority of the women's perceptions fell into one of two groups: 1) They took a laissez faire approach, preferring to wait and see what the future held, or 2) They recognized some of the things they should be doing to reduce their risk but were inconsistent in maintaining changes or seeking information.

Women's Perceptions of Future Risk After Low-Energy Fractures at Midlife
By Lynn M. Meadows, Ph.D., et al

Angela Lower - alower@aafp.org
American Academy of Family Physicians

January/February Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new, evidence-based information affecting the primary care discipline. Launched in May 2003, the journal is sponsored by six family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Practice, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Practice Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. The journal is published six times each year and contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. A board of directors with representatives from each of the sponsoring organizations oversees Annals. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups can be accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, American Academy of Family Physicians.

• Additional
• References
• Citations