IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH, PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PERSONS LIVING WITH OSTEOPOROSIS AND DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) is a progressive, age-related condition impacting approximately 3.8% of Australians. OP is associated with increased psychological distress, increased pain and decreased quality of life. Correlations exist between OP and psychological distress, with people living with OP three times more likely to experience very high levels of psychological distress compared to those without. Emerging evidence suggests a connection between bone loss and depressive symptoms. For people living with OP, depression and/or anxiety, increasing physical activity is recommended to improve overall health outcomes. Currently, no guidelines for exercise recommendations exist for people living with these co-occurring conditions. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the most effective physical activity intervention to improve mental and physical health, quality of life and pain in people with co-occurring OP and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The research question, eligibility criteria and search strategy were developed, and peer reviewed by the research team, and the search was registered through PROSPERO (CRD42023440020). A systematic search of the following databases was conducted using the Cochrane Highly Sensitive Search Strategy for identifying randomized trials and Polyglot search translator: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus & Web of Science. From 7,405 results, 2,372 were excluded as duplicates leaving 5,033. Covidence was used to screen by title and abstract, with a further 5,009 excluded based on study design, population and outcome measures. Full-text screening by two researchers (CF & KM) led to 19 studies included for data extraction, with 5 excluded based on population (OP diagnosis), questionnaire validity and availability of data. Data extraction and analysis is currently underway with results to be presented at the conference. Findings will be used to design and implement a tailored lifestyle intervention program for people living with OP and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. This research has been generously funded by the Estate of the Late Faye Patricia Williams.