Citation

Smith J, Inderjeeth C, Lewin G. Australas. J. Ageing 2009; 28(2): 75-80.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Australian Council on the Ageing, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1741-6612.2009.00354.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Aim: 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.