Open Access`I'd rather go and know' : women's understanding and experience of DEXA scanning for osteoporosis
Author(s) -
Richardson Jane C.,
Hassell Andrew B.,
Hay Elaine M.,
Thomas Elaine
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
health expectations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.314
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1369-7625
pISSN - 1369-6513
DOI - 10.1046/j.1369-6513.2002.00173.x
Subject(s) - osteoporosis , primary care , medicine , family medicine , dual energy , psychology , gerontology , bone mineral
Objective To explore women's knowledge and understanding of osteoporosis and of dual energy x‐ray absorptiometer (DEXA) scans; the factors influencing their decision to have a scan and their experience of undergoing a DEXA scan. Design In‐depth interviews (using a topic guide) were carried out with 12 women [before a DEXA scan and after they had discussed the results with their general practitioner (GP)] and with three women who chose not to have a scan. Setting Stoke‐on‐Trent, Staffordshire, UK. Participants Women who responded to a primary‐care based questionnaire were purposively selected for interview. Results The women interviewed had varied levels of understanding of osteoporosis. For the majority of participants the scan was an overwhelmingly positive experience, despite some women's negative expectations. Findings are also explored in terms of the influences on women's decision‐making about whether to have a scan and the concept of `knowing' one's risk status. Conclusions The main implication for primary care is how to improve women's understanding of osteoporosis and DEXA scans in order to promote the strategy of scanning high‐risk women.