Grant: Operating Grant

A fragility fracture is one that happens after a slip, trip, or fall from standing height or less (for example, slipping on ice and breaking a wrist). In general, this type of fracture predicts future fractures and is a sign of poor bone health that requires treatment. Treatment, which includes vitamin D, calcium, and often medication, is known to reduce the chance of future fractures. However, fracture patients often do not follow recommendations for bone health treatment. One reason for this is that they may have other conditions, such as heart disease, that compete with their attention to bone health. We will interview fracture patients, aged 50 and older, who report having at least one condition in addition to having poor bone health. During the interviews, we will ask patients to describe their experiences with bone health and their other conditions. We will also ask patients what they are doing for their bone health versus their other conditions (including taking medication, going for tests, and visiting doctors). Our research will inform the content of existing and future programs that aim to improve bone health. For example, these programs might teach fracture patients about the importance of bone health in relation to their other conditions. It is important that fracture patients follow treatment recommendations for their bone health because appropriate treatment can prevent future fractures such as hip fractures; this will alleviate fracture-related health care costs in Canada including admission to hospitals, extended care facilities, and nursing homes.