# Symptoms of anxiety and depression among osteoporotic women

## TL;DR

This study finds that many osteoporotic women in Tunisia experience anxiety and depression, with physical activity and obesity playing significant roles.

## Contribution

The study identifies a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in postmenopausal osteoporotic women and links these to physical activity and obesity.

## Key findings

- 80.5% of osteoporotic women showed depressive symptoms, with overweight individuals more likely to be affected.
- 87.5% of participants had anxiety symptoms, with those who had bone fractures or were overweight showing higher anxiety.
- Physical activity was inversely associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms among osteoporotic women.

## Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) prevalence is on the rise as a result of an ageing population and lifestyle factors such as inactivity. Previous research has reported OP in individuals with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, OP has been shown to be a risk factor for anxiety.

In this study, we aimed to describe anxiety and depression symptoms among osteoporotic women in a university hospital in Tunisia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2023 in a university hospital in Tunisia. Women with postmenopausal OP in the rheumatology department were interviewed. A hospital anxiety and depressive scale was used to describe anxiety and depression symptoms among patients. It consists of seven items for depression (HADS-D) and seven items for anxiety (HADS-A). For each component a score ≤ 7 indicated the absence of symptomatology.

Seventy-two women diagnosed with post-menopausal OP participated in the study. The mean age was 72.5 (±1.08). The median duration of menopause was 23 years (IIQ= [10.5-28.5]). All patients were receiving bisphosphonates. Fifty-eight women (80.5%) were identified with depressive symptoms. The median depression score was 17.5 (IIQ= [9-19]). Physical activity was significantly and inversely associated with the presence of depressive symptoms (r= -6.36; p=10-3). Those who were overweight or even obese had significantly more depressive symptoms than those who were not overweight (94%, 57%, p= 0.001).

The median score of anxiety was 16 (IIQ= [9-17]). Sixty-three patients (87.5%) were identified with anxiety symptoms. Physical activity was significantly and inversely associated with the presence of anxiety symptoms (r= -4.89; p=10-3). Women who had bone fractures were significantly more anxious than those without a history of bone fractures (100%, 63%, p<10-3). Patients who were overweight were significantly more anxious than those with normal weight (96%, 57%, p<10-3).

Physical activity and obesity were associated with depression and anxiety among osteoporotic patients. These data are consistent with previous findings That’s why, promoting physical activity and weight loss is essential to preventing mental disorders among osteoporotic women.

None Declared