Physicians’ Attitudes to Contemporary Issues on Osteoporosis Management in Korea

Abstract

Background: In management of osteoporosis, several concerns here have been raised. The current issue included the utilization of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) andfracture-risk assessment (FRAX), screening of vitamin D deficiency and secondary osteo-porosis, and long-term use of bisphosphonate and calcium supplements. There was nostudy on physicians’ attitude on these current issues in Korea. Therefore, we investigatedthe physicians’ attitude on these issues by survey. Methods: We administered a 30-itemquestionnaire to all members of Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research by emailsurvey form. One hundred participants answered the questionnaire. The questionnaireincluded the questions about the physicians’ attitude to current issues and the barriersto osteoporosis treatment in Korea. Results: Most physicians used bone densitometrydevices (99%) and, central DXA was the most accessible device (95%). Eighty-eight per-cent were aware of FRAX®, but among them, only 19.3% used it. The main reason for notusing FRAX® was the lack of time in their proactive (76%). Screening for vitamin D statusand secondary osteoporosis was performed by 59% and 52% of the respondents, re-spectively. The lack of awareness among patients and high costs of medication wereperceived as the most important barriers to osteoporosis management in Korea. Con-clusions: This study provides physicians’ perspective to the current issue for diagnosticand treatment of osteoporosis in Korea. To further improve osteoporosis management,educational programs for patients and doctors, and the improvement of reimbursementsystem should be considered in Korea.