Background: There is evidence linking higher levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) and the onset of chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality). However, there is only a postulated link between SB and bone health. Little is known about the knowledge or views on SB in people with Osteoporosis (OP) and their experience developing potential SB reduction interventions.
Aims: 1) To develop an understanding of the thoughts and opinions of Older Adult’s (OA) suffering from osteoporosis (OP) regarding SB and 2) investigate strategies used to reduce SB for intervention development.
Methods: Twelve OA (of which 11 were female) with OP (mean age= 68.4y ±6.3(SD)) participated in semi-structured phone interviews (March-May 2020). They were recruited from the Scottish section of the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) support group networks and the Strathclyde Age-Friendly-Academy. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using Braun & Clarke (2006) six steps to data analysis.
Results: Three main themes emerged: ‘OA Knowledge’, ‘Motivators to reduce SB’ and ‘OA and Technology’. Participants reported an increase (or maintenance) of physical activity levels after OP diagnosis, had a good understanding and awareness of SB and how it affects health holistically. Participants identified facilitators of SB (e.g. Television) and motivators to interrupt SB (e.g. family/friends). Participants were not averse to using technology to track sedentary time but were aware of potential barriers when using technology to reduce SB among OA.
Conclusion: These results could help develop future co-created interventions to reduce SB among this population subgroup. However, another study focusing on participants from a lower socio-economic background may be necessary to eliminate any affluence selection bias.
| Date of Award | 15 Oct 2020 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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| Supervisor | Alexandra Mavroeidi (Supervisor) & Alison Kirk (Supervisor) |
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