Definition and description of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a complex chronic disease, characterized by the reduction of bone mass, increasing the likelihood of bone fractures.
There are two types of osteoporosis. The first type is common among the women who have the lack of estrogen during postmenopausal period. The deficit of estrogen leads to the increasing rate of bone loss. Osteoporosis type 2 is common among the male and female who are older than 70 years (Peña & Perez, 2012, p. 37).
As Unnanuntana and Kleimeyer indicate, scientists predict that the incidence of hip fractures increased from 1.26 million in 1990 to 4, 5-million by 2050. Osteoporosis is more prevalent among women than among men. Studies show that one in two women over fifty years old suffer from osteoporosis (Peña & Perez, 2012, p. 34).
M. Snooks indicate that 20% of those patients who have hip fracture die within one year; half of older people after getting fractures never become able to move so independently as before; approximately 10 million of Americans suffer from osteoporosis and nearly 18 million of people have low bone mass which can lead to the osteoporosis in the future without special interventions for preventing this disease (2009, p. 338).
Risk factors for osteoporosis are classified into two groups: those, which cannot be avoided (for example, heredity) and those which can be modified. The factors from the “modified” group are associated with the person`s lifestyle.
This disease is most common among postmenopausal women, although young women are also at risk of osteoporosis. There are identified a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse and smoking, lack of calcium in the body, eating disorders, etc. among the factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis.
The likelihood of osteoporosis can be increased by previous fractures, a small stature, genetic predisposition, etc. Studies show that approximately 30 associated genes are responsible for osteoporosis.
Representatives of Asian and European ethnicity groups are more susceptible to osteoporosis. At the same time, for example, African women are considerably less likely to suffer from osteoporosis, for the reason that they spend more time exposed to sunlight and their lifestyle more physically active.
People who find out that they suffer from osteoporosis can feel anxiety. Because of the fear that they can easily get a fracture, patients with osteoporosis, may refuse many of their everyday activities (for instance, going to the movies, going out with friends, physical exercise, etc.) that they enjoyed before.
It is important that individuals with a diagnosis of "osteoporosis" decline some of their usual activities (for instance, excessive physical training) and habits (such as smoking), which may influence the development of osteoporosis. But it is also essential that patients become adapted to their condition and continue to interact actively with the environment (National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2016).
Patients who receive a fracture as a result of osteoporosis can begin to experience a variety of depressive symptoms: sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, excessive appetite, or lack of desire to eat food. If these symptoms persevere for more than two weeks, in this case, it is necessary to contact the expert.
Osteoporosis can also have a negative impact on self-esteem as this disease affects the changes in appearance. Also, patients often begin to experience emotional problems because of the financial aspects of treatment of osteoporosis (Snooks, 2009, p. 339).
Treatments for osteoporosis
Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments should be used in the compound in the treatment of osteoporosis. Non-pharmacological treatment includes, for example, patient education about the adverse effects of smoking and alcohol on the development of their disease. Also, patients should create conditions that would prevent falls and fractures. For example, they should avoid walking on slippery surfaces, walk in areas with appropriate lighting. Non-pharmacological ways of treatment are also associated with the development of balance by using appropriate physical exercises. Patients who in addition to osteoporosis have problems with vision may also treat this issue. Bad vision can increase the risk of falling and fracture.
In the treatment of osteoporosis, calcium, and vitamin D are always prescribed to patients. It is one more way of non-pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis. Patients with this disease should take 1000-2000 IU per day of vitamin D and calcium 1000-1500 mg. Such treatment can decrease likelihood of fracture to 20-30% (Peña & Perez, 2012, p. 44)
Among pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis, it is often used agents with multi-dimensional action on bone metabolism, agents that inhibit bone resorption (estrogen, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates) agents stimulating bone formation (teriparatide), etc. (Peña & Perez, 2012, p. 48).
Symbolic Interactionism and its application for osteoporosis
According to the Symbolic Interactionism Theory, the man is an active being, which affects what happens in his life. This theory denies the image of the man as "passive" individual whose life is determined by external factors. Also, the representatives of this theory point out that the man is not only influenced by past events, but one also acts in the present, which also influences him/her.
Another idea of symbolic interactionism concerns the fact that we interact not only with others but also with ourselves. Interaction within ourselves is the fact how we interpret events and situations that occur in our lives.
According to the theory, individuals make their decisions under the influence of other persons or depending on their specific definition of situations. By this theory, Souza, Mazeto & Bocci suggest some recommendations for health care professionals. The researchers point out that to make the processes of patient education regarding the treatment of osteoporosis, prevention of its development, etc. professionals should, firstly, have developed communication skills (for example, ability to active listening) (2010, p. 403).
As individuals, according to symbolic interactionism, make decisions when interacting with each other, it will be efficient and helpful to organize group discussions in the process of promoting ways to prevent osteoporosis and to prevent deteriorating of this disease. In such group patients can share with each other experiences concerning the history of their lives with a diagnosis of "osteoporosis". Group dynamic can influence positively interactions and exchange of information between patients and professionals (Souza, Mazeto& Bocchi, 2010, p. 401).
In the treatment of osteoporosis, a common problem is the unwillingness of the patient to continue treatment, non-adherence of patients to necessary procedures and demands of treatment. In this case, particular groups and discussions in groups of patients with osteoporosis can help overcome psychological and other barriers that impact negatively on patient adherence to the necessary treatment (Souza, Mazeto& Bocchi, 2010, p. 399).
References
Peña, A. R., & Perez, V. O. (2012). Endocrinology Research and Clinical Developments : Osteoporosis : Risk Factors, Symptoms and Management. New York, NY, USA: Nova Biomedical. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
National Osteoporosis Foundation(2016). Emotional aspects of osteoporosis. Retrieved from http://nof.org/articles/11
Snooks, M. K. (2009). Health psychology: Biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Souza, L. B. D., Mazeto, G. M. F. D. S., & Bocchi, S. C. M. (2010). Self-managing osteoporosis treatment for well-being recovery mediated by the (in) visibility of the disease signs. Revista latino-americana de enfermagem, 18(3), 398-405.
