Exploring osteoporosis sufferers knowledge on sedentary behaviour in the management of their disease

  • Caera Grady

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

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 Award15 Oct 2020
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University Of Strathclyde
SupervisorAlexandra Mavroeidi (Supervisor) & Alison Kirk (Supervisor)

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