A Study of Treatment Realities and Recognition of Male Osteoporosis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis has been thought of as a disease of women, but the incidence of male osteoporosis is increasing and is expected to keep rising due to alcohol abuse, smoking and increased life expectancy for men. This study was done to evaluate how many men recognized the significance of osteoporosis and its management. METHODS: There were 138 male subjects who underwent Bone Mineral Density (DEXA) from January 2000 to August 2003 at Sung Nam Central Hospital. We reviewed their BMD results and formed questionnaires which were constructed to evaluate men's recognition and treatment realities of osteoporosis. Telephone interviews and mailing services were utilized. The respondents were 96 (69.6%) and analysis was done. RESULTS: The average age of the 138 men was 55. Among them, there were 55 (39.9%) and 68 (49.3%) men who had been diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis, respectively. Information on osteoporosis was obtained mainly from mass media like TV and newspaper (57.3% of total answers). The reason for undergoing test for osteoporosis was related to the annual screening tests (40.6% of total answers). Most of these people were likely to ignore the significance of osteoporosis, because only 26 percent answered they should receive proper treatment in case of osteoporosis although they did not have any symptoms at the time of the diagnosis. Among these osteoporotic patients, 76.7 percent did not seek any medical care and the most common reason for refusal to treatment was no existing symptoms for osteoporosis. Among the total, 67.4 percent of the patients said there had been no change of life behavior after the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: We found that men had relatively more knowledge of osteoporosis than we expected, but they knew little about the need for treatment and possible severe complications like major fractures that may occur. Also, we found the diagnosis of osteoporosis has little effect on behavioral changes. In conclusion, family physicians should take more interest in the education of patients to increase compliance for its treatment.