Summary: We examined fragility fracture patients’ perceptions of associations between bone health and other chronic conditions and medications. Awareness of the associations between bone health and these conditions and medications was low. Providers should increase patients’ awareness of these associations in order to minimize the risk of future fracture.
Introduction: Among patients with a fragility fracture presenting with at least one other chronic health condition, we examined (1) perceptions of the association between bone health and their other health conditions, and (2) perceptions of the association between bone health and prescribed medications taken for other health conditions.
Methods: We identified fragility fracture patients presenting to a Canadian urban fracture clinic with at least one self-reported chronic health condition (in addition to bone fragility). In-depth interviews, 60–90 min in duration, were conducted. Our qualitative methodology was informed by saliency analysis.
Results: We interviewed 26 patients (21 females, 5 males) aged 45 to 84 years old. Participants were taking 1–13 medications each and presented with a variety of comorbidities (range 1–7). All participants described at least one condition or medication they were currently taking for which there existed evidence of a negative effect on bone health (increased risk of fracture, bone loss, falling). Two participants perceived a correct association between their other health conditions and compromised bone health, and four participants perceived a correct association between their medications and compromised bone health.
Conclusion: All patients reported a chronic health condition and/or were taking at least one medication that potentially compromised their bone health. Patient awareness of the association between bone health and other health conditions and prescribed medications was low. Health care providers should increase patients’ awareness of the bone health significance of their chronic conditions and medications in order to minimize the risk of future fracture.