Osteoporosis and premature ovarian insufficiency: geographic variation in clinicians’ and consumers’ knowledge gaps and barriers to care

Alicia Jones, Maylyn Goh, Robyn G. Langham, Jacqueline Boyle, Frances Milat, Peter R. Ebeling, Helena Teede, Amanda Vincent
In: Archives of Osteoporosis · 2020 · vol. 15(1) , pp. 38 · doi:10.1007/s11657-020-00713-8 · PMID:32125551 · W3010704461
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Abstract

PurposeTo determine whether geographic variation exists in osteoporosis knowledge, management, and barriers to care in the setting of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), among general practitioners (GPs) and women with POI.MethodsAustralian GPs completed an online questionnaire regarding osteoporosis knowledge, barriers to care and educational preferences for managing osteoporosis in POI. Women with POI/early menopause (EM) completed an online questionnaire regarding osteoporosis knowledge, risk factors and health beliefs. Clinicians and consumers in metropolitan areas were compared to those in rural areas.ResultsOf 688 GP respondents, 62.2% practised in major capital cities, 13.1% in major regional cities, 7.8% in regional centres, 8.7% in rural areas and 8.1% in remote areas. Mean ± SD osteoporosis knowledge score was 9.1 ± 1.5/13, with no difference by location. Forty-one percent of GPs reported barriers to care which varied by location. Of 316 women with POI/EM, 61.1% lived in metropolitan, 22.5% in regional, 11.7% in rural and 4.4% in remote locations. The mean osteoporosis knowledge score was 8.2 ± 3.1/20, with lower scores in women living in rural and remote versus metropolitan locations (difference - 1.3; 95% CI - 2.3, - 0.25; p = 0.02). Women in rural areas were less likely to use vitamin D supplements and more likely to have a family history of osteoporosis (both p < 0.05).ConclusionsGP knowledge gaps and specific, location-dependent care barriers for osteoporosis in POI were identified. Geographic differences in osteoporosis knowledge and risk factors exist in women with POI/EM. These factors require consideration when designing programs to improve bone health in POI.

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