Survey focuses on adherence gap in osteoporosis therapy.(Gynecology)

VIENNA -- Most physicians remain unaware of the factors that motivate women to stay on osteoporosis therapy, according to the results of a recent survey released by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

As a result of this physician/patient disconnect, 85% of surveyed physicians reported having patients who have discontinued bisphosphonate therapy without consulting them, and 71% still didn't know why their patients had stopped, according to the findings, which were presented at the annual European congress of rheumatology.

The goal of the survey was to shed new light on the poorly understood adherence gap in osteoporosis therapy. "Adherence gap" is a term used to describe the phenomenon whereby nearly 80% of women who take a once-daily bisphosphonate and more than half who take a once-weekly agent discontinue therapy within the first year, despite the drugs' proven ability to reduce fracture risk.

The telephone survey, conducted earlier this year in five Western European countries, involved 500 primary care physicians and rheumatologists and 502 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Of the women surveyed, 38% were previously on a bisphosphonate but had discontinued it; the rest were currently on a bisphosphonate.

Overall, 64% of women cited a positive motivating factor--such as the desire to do something to help themselves, or a wish to stay independent--as their primary reason for staying on bisphosphonate therapy. ...