"I'd rather go and know": women's understanding and experience of DEXA scanning for osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To explore women's knowledge and understanding of osteoporosis and of dual energy x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA) scans; the factors influencing their decision to have a scan and their experience of undergoing a DEXA scan.


METHODS
In-depth interviews (using a topic guide) were carried out with 12 women [before a DEXA scan and after they had discussed the results with their general practitioner (GP)] and with three women who chose not to have a scan.


METHODS
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK.


METHODS
Women who responded to a primary-care based questionnaire were purposively selected for interview.


RESULTS
The women interviewed had varied levels of understanding of osteoporosis. For the majority of participants the scan was an overwhelmingly positive experience, despite some women's negative expectations. Findings are also explored in terms of the influences on women's decision-making about whether to have a scan and the concept of "knowing" one's risk status.


CONCLUSIONS
The main implication for primary care is how to improve women's understanding of osteoporosis and DEXA scans in order to promote the strategy of scanning high-risk women.
Richardson
Jane C
JC
Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Hornbeam Building, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK. j.c.richardson@keele.ac.uk
Hassell
Andrew B
AB
Hay
Elaine M
EM
Thomas
Elaine
E
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction