Abstract
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterised by low bone density, with a resultant decrease in bone strength and an increased fracture risk. Physical activity (PA) has many therapeutic and physiological benefits, which are evident in the outcomes of research pertaining to PA in osteoporosis patients. Physical activity has been shown to increase bone mineral density, decrease fall risk, improve mobility and significantly improve quality of life (QoL). Physical activity has been shown to assist with pain reduction and improved mobility, which both have a positive effect on QoL. The aim of this cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study was to determine the PA levels and QoL in osteoporosis patients over the age of 35 years in Johannesburg. The study involved 209 participants (Mage = 64 years). A combination of two questionnaires were used, namely, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire Version 2 (OPAQ 2.0). The GPAQ is used to understand an individual’s activity level. This questionnaire focuses on PA levels in three settings, namely, work, travel and leisure. The OPAQ is a validated disease-targeted self-assessment questionnaire of health-related QoL. This questionnaire is used to determine the effect osteoporosis has on one’s physical, mental and social abilities. Inclusion criteria of this study was that participants resided in Johannesburg and had a clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis. The participants from within the private sector were diagnosed with osteoporosis by a geriatrician, endocrinologist or gynecologist whereas the participants in the public sector had been diagnosed by doctors within the public sector and were thereafter referred to the osteoporosis clinic at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital where they were recruited by researcher. Once the participants had given their consent to be part of this study, the researcher provided them with either a google link to the combined questionnaires or they were provided with a hard copy. Demographics and data pertaining to the participants’ PA levels and QoL were collected. Statistical analysis was computed using SPSS version 29. This included various measures such as frequencies, summary statistics, cross-tabulations, chi-square tests of independence, normality tests, independent samples t tests and correlation analysis. The goals of this study included investigating the levels of PA and the impact of osteoporosis on QoL. The prevalence of each treatment modality or allied healthcare service used was examined. The questionnaire determined whether the participant was receiving treatment in the public or private sector and the results thereof were analysed. This study is one of the few studies that have been conducted in South Africa with respect to biokinetics and its potential role in the
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public healthcare sector. The findings reflected that the majority of participants were meeting the PA guidelines when considering activity performed during work, travel and leisure. Furthermore, when analysing participants’ QoL with a specific focus on physical, social and emotional well-being, participants utilising private healthcare scored higher overall (73%) than those utilising public healthcare system (50%). This study shows a correlation between increased levels of PA and QoL in patients with osteoporosis.
Keywords: osteoporosis, physical activity, quality of life.