Research Article - Biomedical Research (2018) Volume 29, Issue 16
The impact of osteoporosis on health-related quality of life in elderly women
Objective of this study was to assess the impact of osteoporosis on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly Korean women. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical history of osteoporosis, and the EuroQol-5 dimension questionnaire scores for 1,000 female participants aged 60 years or older were obtained from the 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Demographic variables, including age, educational level and income, were significantly associated with HRQoL. Furthermore, osteoporosis had a significant effect on HRQoL in elderly Korean women. In the osteoporosis group, the adjusted odds ratios for disability on the ED-5Q dimensions were 1.92 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.44-2.58, p<0.001) for mobility, 1.90 (95% CI=1.45-2.51, p<0.001) for pain/ discomfort, and 1.89 (95% CI=1.36-2.61, p=0.001) for usual activities. These findings indicate that osteoporosis has a significant impact on HRQoL and suggest that the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis may significantly improve quality of life in elderly women.
Author(s): Hyejin Park