Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis and related fractures with increased pain, disability, reduced quality of life and mortality is a global health concern. The main aim of this study is to investigate the quality of life in people with osteoporosis compared with healthy subjects in the city of Fasa, Fars province, South of Iran. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 (150 with and 150 without osteoporosis) patients referred to a clinical center in the city of Fasa. The bone densitometry and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured in subjects. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, BMD was measured and the subjects with BMD < -2.5 standard deviation (SD) of the average value were defined as patient cases, while those with BMD > -1 SD were considered to be normal (control) cases. The Qualeffo-41 questionnaire was used to estimate the quality of life and was reported on a scale of 100. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, independent T-test, and descriptive statistical methods. p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean total score of quality of life in patients with osteoporosis and healthy subjects was 23.96 ± 2.34 and 11.78 ± 4.84, respectively. Comparing the different aspects of quality of life among osteoporotic patients and healthy subjects showed a statistical difference between the two groups in the total aspects of quality of life. Conclusion: Given the impact of osteoporosis on ameliorating health status, early awareness, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis appears to enhance the quality of life in patients.