Assessment of Quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal osteoporosis in the Lublin region

Introduction: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is related to the changes in female body during menopause. The aim was to assess the quality of life of women in the Lublin region suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: Data was obtained from standardized osteoporosis QoL questionnaire – Qualeffo-41. The survey was conducted in April 2013 in a group of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis treated in ambulatory setting. Results: In total 55 QoL questionnaires were collected. The mean age was 70 years. The last declared menstruation was between 40 and 56 years. City inhabitants included 41 women, while 14 women inhabited rural areas. There were 28 married women, 25 widows and 2 maidens. The respondents’ weight was between 42 102 kg. The shortest subject was 147 cm tall and the tallest 170 cm. The results of QoL were at 49.38. The results of the individual domains of the questionnaire indicate that the lowest rating was for physical function – mean of 39.41. Mental functions were assessed on average at 53.03. Pain assessment resulted on average at 53.45. The functioning during free time and opportunities for social contact were rated on average at 56.66. The highest result was for overall health with a mean value of 79.55. Conclusion: The analysis showed that Polish women suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis have a low quality of life. The results suggest further research to test QoL at the beginning of the therapy and to monitor it during treatment, analyzing the domains that need the most improvement.