title: Qualitative Insights from the Osteoporosis Research: A Narrative Review of the Literature.
abstract: Purpose.Much of the research on osteoporosis has been generated quantitatively. However, the qualitative osteoporosis literature provides valuable information on patient and clinician experiences and perspectives, informing the design and implementation of health research and healthcare services. To identify knowledge gaps and inform the design of future qualitative research, a narrative review was conducted to consolidate and synthesize the existing insights available within the qualitative osteoporosis research.Methods.Search terms reflecting the domains of osteoporosis and qualitative research were entered into the Scopus database to generate a comprehensive survey of qualitative research in the area of osteoporosis. Articles were thematically analysed and the results are presented in the form of a narrative review.Results.Forty-four articles were included in the narrative review. Qualitative research in the field of osteoporosis research can be summarized by 3 thematic areas: the meaning of osteoporosis for patients and the public, the lived experience of an osteoporosis diagnosis, and the programmatic approach to osteoporosis prevention and treatment.Conclusions.Qualitative studies provide clinically valuable insights in how osteoporosis is conceptualized and managed and programmatic aspects of osteoporosis treatment. The findings of this narrative review suggest the need for balance between presenting osteoporosis as a serious health condition and producing unwarranted anxiety and inactivity so as to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals with osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Community Health Division, Central Michigan University, 2219 Health Professions Building, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA.
authors.forename: A E
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-4235-9025
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Bombak
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW Building, Room 3D10, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6; Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, FMC, South Tower, Room 1103, 1403 29th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 2T9.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Hanson