An interpretive descriptive approach of patients with osteoporosis and integrating osteoporosis management advice into their lifestyle

INTRODUCTION: Although osteoporosis-exercise recommendations have been established, implementation of the information remains a challenge for people with osteoporosis. This study aimed to understand how participants integrate osteoporosis management advice into their lifestyle and the challenges they might face. METHODS: Integrative descriptive methods were used for this qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 Canadian participants (age range 51–90) that knew they had osteoporosis. Participants were asked to participate in one-on-one interviews; discussing exercise, nutrition and falls prevention for people with osteoporosis. RESULTS: The following themes emerged from this study: understanding fragility fractures and fall risk, knowledge acquisition through personal and vicarious experience over the lifespan, awareness of environmental risks and opportunities, understanding the effect of exercise on the bones and in life, challenges managing exercise expectations, attitude towards non-pharmacological management. CONCLUSION: Participants recognized the benefit of non-pharmacological management for managing osteoporosis, but sometimes found it difficult to integrate into their daily activities due to lack of time or knowledge. Participants weren’t always clear on which component of their osteoporosis management should be prioritized.