Enduring Uncertainty Through the Lens of Osteoporosis: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic illness that is underdiagnosed and often poorly managed. Uncertainty is a phenomenon experienced by individuals diagnosed with chronic illness. There are no published American studies describing whether women diagnosed with osteoporosis experience uncertainty. Experiencing uncertainty can lead to decreased quality of life (QOL), delays in decision-making, and negative impacts on relationships. A mixed methods approach was used using descriptive statistics and two scales, The Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community Form (MUIS-C) and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health scale, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Significant negative correlations were found between levels of uncertainty and physical health status and between physical and mental health. The qualitative study focused on describing the experience individuals had with the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with fourteen Caucasian women who all had a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Thematic analysis revealed five themes that could be chronologically processed: The Sentinel Event, Adapting to Chronic Disease, Navigating Uncertainty, Being Less Than, and What the Future Holds. The findings of this study have implications for how healthcare providers share knowledge and education about the disease of osteoporosis with individuals. Future research should include women and men from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This inclusive approach is crucial for ensuring that preventive measures and management strategies are tailored to the diverse needs of all individuals, fostering equity and efficacy in osteoporosis care.