Summary
Osteoporosis is often undiagnosed and untreated. We surveyed 1,830 adults and identified factors associated with osteoporosis
diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with several risk factors, including older age, were not more likely to be diagnosed
or treated. Measures should be taken to improve osteoporosis identification and treatment in high-risk patients.
Methods
Survey was mailed to 1,830 women and men ≥60 years old in Pennsylvania. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed
to determine odds ratios for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment for individuals with established osteoporosis risk factors.
Results
Surveys were completed by 1,268 adults (69.3%). Osteoporosis diagnosis was more commonly reported by participants with risk
factors of female sex (OR, 3.60; 95% CI 2.31–5.61), prolonged oral steroid use (OR, 3.76, 95% CI 2.06–6.84), low-trauma fracture
(OR, 2.14, 95% CI 1.44–3.17), height loss (OR, 1.83, 95% CI 1.28–2.64), and lower weight (OR, 1.35 per 11.4 kg decrease in
weight; 95% CI, 1.16–1.56). Age and family history of osteoporosis were not predictive of osteoporosis diagnosis, when adjusting
for other risk factors. Osteoporosis treatment was more commonly reported by participants with risk factors of female sex
(OR, 5.19; 95% CI, 3.31–8.13), family history (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.55–3.06), height loss (OR, 1.79; 95% CI 1.29–2.49), low-trauma
fracture (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.14–2.42), and lower weight (OR, 1.45 per 11.4 kg decrease in weight; 95% CI, 1.27–1.67). Osteoporosis
treatment was not significantly associated with age or prolonged oral steroid use.