Association between osteoporosis, health-related productivity loss and use of hospital services in outpatients of the Brazilian National Health System

ABSTRACT

Aims: To analyze factors associated with osteoporosis among outpatients of the Brazilian National Health System and to identify their association with hospital and labor economic outcomes. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in the city of Presidente Prudente / SP. The sample consisted of 542 adults of both sexes and aged ≥ 50 years old. The occurrence of osteoporosis, health-related productivity loss, use of hospital services and level of physical activity were assessed using questionnaires. Statistical analysis was composed of chi-square test, binary logistic regression and Mann-Whitney test. The significance level adopted was p-value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 14.4% (95% CI 11.4% - 17.3%) and it was associated with female sex (p = 0.001), lower economic status (p-value = 0.036) and obesity (p-value = 0.003). Participants with osteoporosis showed a higher incidence of surgery in the last 12 months (OR = 2.13 [1.04 to 4.35]), productivity loss (OR = 1.91 [1.13 to 3.42]) and disability retirement (OR = 2.03 [1.20 to 3.43]). Over the past 12 months, the sum of direct and indirect economic loss was R$ 1,382,630.00. Conclusion: The female sex, lower economic status and obesity were associated with a higher occurrence of osteoporosis, and consequent higher use of hospital services and significant economic losses.(AU)