Osteoporosis in the community: Sensitivity of self-reported estimates and medication use of those diagnosed with the condition

OBJECTIVES: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of self-reported osteoporosis compared with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) defined osteoporosis, and to describe medication use among participants with the condition. METHODS: Data were obtained from a population-based longitudinal study and assessed for the prevalence of osteoporosis, falls, fractures and medication use. DXA scans were also undertaken. RESULTS: Overall 3.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.2 to 4.5) of respondents and 8.8% (95% CI 7.5 to 10.3) of those aged ≥ 50 years reported that they had been diagnosed with osteoporosis by a doctor. The sensitivity (those self-reporting osteoporosis and having low bone mineral density (BMD) on DXA) was low (22.7%), although the specificity was high (94.4%). Only 16.1% of those aged ≥ 50 years and with DXA-defined osteoporosis were taking bisphosphonates. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of self-reporting to identify osteoporosis is low. Anti-osteoporotic medications are an important part of osteoporosis treatment but opportunities to use appropriate medications were missed and inappropriate medications were used.