Osteoporosis risk in a home care setting.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the osteoporosis risk profile of older home care clients and the prevalence of fracture and treatment within this group.


METHODS
A total of 1500 home care clients were randomly selected and mailed a survey. Overall, 874 (58%) of those surveyed completed and returned the survey.


RESULTS
A third (37%, n = 318) reported at least one fracture and 871(99.7%) reported at least one risk factor for osteoporosis. Despite this only 28% reported a diagnosis of osteoporosis, which was more likely if they had sustained a fracture. Bone mineral density tests were reported by 37.4% of respondents and 51.9% of those who had fractured. Only 34.5% who had fractured had been referred for an osteoporosis assessment following their fracture.


CONCLUSIONS
The home care clients surveyed have many of the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fracture. A large number reported that they had already sustained fractures that can be attributed to osteoporosis. Despite this, a minority have been assessed or treated for osteoporosis.
Smith
Joanna
J
Silver Chain Nursing Association, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. jmsmith@silverchain.org.au
Inderjeeth
Charles
C
Lewin
Gill
G
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006306:Health Surveys; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology