Impact of Medication Adherence on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Patients With Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review

Osteoporosis is a chronic, prevalent disease marked by decreased bone mass and changes in bone anatomy associated with significant morbidity. The management of osteoporosis necessitates long-term therapy for which patient adherence is of vital importance. In the present review, we aim to collect all potential evidence from relevant studies that reported the impact of medication adherence on bone mineral density and fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis. We have conducted both electronic and manual search strategies within the potential databases and included articles and reviews to find relevant studies. We have assessed the effects of osteoporotic medication adherence on fracture rates and bone mineral density. The study participants were divided into two groups, adherent and non-adherent. Studies from the year 2010-2023 were included. Final inclusion consisted of 14 studies that showed variation in adherence rates with only three studies reporting optimal adherence followed by two studies with nearly half adherent population while the rest of the studies reported low medication adherence. The highest adherence rate reported was 82% while the lowest was 8%. Among the included studies the fracture rates varied significantly. Decreased rates of fracture were observed in the adherent population however two of the included studies were contrary to these findings. Additionally, only three studies discussed the effect of adherence on bone mineral density. Lack of medication adherence is linked to an increased risk of fracture, and low bone mineral density, further associated with more severe complications as per the evidence from the literature. However, variation in the fracture rates as observed in our findings advocates the need for further research for the generalizability of results.