What Are the Barriers to Adoption of a Lifestyle Associated with Optimal Peak Bone Mass Acquisition? A Qualitative Study of Young Adults in New Zealand

Sana Zafar,Hansa Patel,Hayley Denison,Elaine Dennison

doi:10.3390/osteology2010004

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the barriers to adopting lifestyle factors other than physical activity important for optimal peak bone mass (PBM) acquisition—namely, dietary factors, avoidance of cigarette smoking, and keeping alcohol consumption within recommended limits. Materials and Methods: University students and staff aged 18–35 years were recruited. Six semi-structured, in-depth focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 28 participants. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. A thematic approach for data analysis using a constant comparative method was performed using NVivo software. Results: Three major themes emerged: socio-cultural barriers (peer pressure and cultural norms); personal barriers (time, cost, and diet preferences); and other barriers (medical illness and lack of symptoms associated with low bone mass density). Conclusions: We identified several barriers to adoption of lifestyle behaviours that might be beneficial to PBM acquisition. These data might facilitate the development of public health interventions designed to help young adults embrace osteoprotective lifestyles, and hence reduce the burden of osteoporotic fracture in later life.

Highlights

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem through its association with fragility fracture in later life [1]
In this paper we focus on the barriers to the other lifestyle factors important for peak bone mass (PBM) acquisition—namely, diet, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption, considering socio-cultural, personal, and other barriers that young adults face
We identified three main themes: socio-cultural barriers; personal barriers; and other barriers

Summary

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem through its association with fragility fracture in later life [1]. According to the Osteoporosis New Zealand (ONZ) annual report published in 2017 [2], more than 1.6 million New Zealanders are currently over the age of 50 years, and more than 180,000 New Zealand adults aged >50 years have sustained a fragility fracture. Since it is estimated that the proportion of the New Zealand population over 50 will increase from 33% in 2015 to 38% in 2035, the prevalence of osteoporosis is set to increase still further [2]. Around 4.7 million Australians over 50 years of age have been reported to have osteoporosis, osteopenia, or poor bone health [3]. By 2022, it is estimated there will be 6.2 million Australians over the age of 50 with osteoporosis; a 31% increase from 2012 [3]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion