Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the association between quality of life and social support in elderly osteoporosis patients in a Chinese population.MethodsA total of 214 elderly patients who underwent bone mineral density screening were divided into two groups: elderly patients with primary osteoporosis (case group, n = 112) and normal elderly patients (control group, n = 102). Quality of life and social support were compared between the two groups.ResultsQuality of life and social support were significantly different between the case and control groups. The physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social-functioning, role-emotional and mental health scores in case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The objective support, subjective support, utilization of support, and total scores in case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). Quality of life and social support were positively correlated in the case group (r = 0.672, P < 0.01).ConclusionQuality of life and social support in elderly patients with osteoporosis in China were poorer than in elderly patients without osteoporosis and were positively correlated. Our findings indicate that increased efforts to improve the social support and quality of life in elderly osteoporosis patients are urgently needed in China. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted to provide more clinical evidence to determine causative factors for the observed association between risk factors and outcomes.
Highlights
Estimated future demographic changes in China will result in significant social and economic challenges in the daily lives and care of elderly people, including maintenance of quality of life (QOL)
Quality of life and social support were significantly different between the case and control groups
Quality of life and social support were positively correlated in the case group (r = 0.672, P < 0.01)
Summary
Estimated future demographic changes in China will result in significant social and economic challenges in the daily lives and care of elderly people, including maintenance of quality of life (QOL). Osteoporosis (OP), which is characterized by low bone mass, bone microstructure damage, bone fragility, and risk of fractures, is one of the most common diseases in the elderly, with annual increases in the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures with the trend of improved population aging[1,2]. The incidence of OP in the elderly population is as high as 56%, and women represent 60–70% of elderly people with OP in China [3,4,5]. Osteoporotic fracture is associated with high rates of disability and mortality in elderly patients[6,7]. Patients with OP have high disability and mortality rate, and the associated psychological burden and mental pain can affect QOL [8,9]. A study in China has found over two years of zoledronic acid treatment in women with postmenopausal OP can improve bone mineral density, and can help improve QOL[10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
