Barriers and Facilitators to Self-Care Behaviors in People Living with Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

TL;DR

This study explores what helps or hinders people with osteoporosis in managing their self-care, aiming to improve their health and quality of life.

Contribution

The study identifies specific barriers and facilitators to self-care in osteoporosis through patient-reported experiences.

Findings

Barriers include fear of falling, poor self-efficacy, and inadequate care continuity.

Facilitators include support networks, motivation, and tailored care strategies.

Person-centered interventions may improve self-care behaviors and long-term health outcomes.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Self-care is central to chronic illness management and is particularly relevant in osteoporosis to prevent complications and improve quality of life. Grounded in Riegel’s middle-range theory of self-care of chronic illness, the study sought to understand the contextual, emotional, and structural influences shaping self-care in people living with osteoporosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore patient-reported barriers and facilitators to self-care behaviors among individuals living with osteoporosis. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 patients with osteoporosis recruited via convenience sampling. Data were coded deductively and analyzed using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach. Results: Participants identified several factors related to both barriers and facilitators of self-care behaviors. Four barrier sub-themes emerged: ineffective coping strategies, difficulties in osteoporosis management, inadequate physical activity, and ineffective self-efficacy. Six facilitator sub-themes were identified: self-care management strategies, osteoporosis management after a fracture, osteoporosis control, osteoporosis treatment, exercise, and confidence in one’s ability. Main barriers included fear of falling, ineffective self-efficacy, and poor care continuity, whereas key facilitators included support networks, motivation, and tailored care. Conclusions: Self-care behaviors in individuals with osteoporosis are influenced by emotional, contextual, and structural factors. Person-centered interventions integrating emotional and educational components may strengthen patients’ engagement and enhance self-care behaviors in osteoporosis. Identifying barriers and facilitators enables nurses to design empathetic, tailored strategies that enhance empowerment and disease management. Understanding these factors can improve autonomy for patients and adherence, promoting long-term health outcomes across clinical and community settings.