OBJECTIVE: Non-adherence to pharmacological treatment in osteoporosis is a well-recognized problem. We hypothesized that a group-based educational programme would increase patients' knowledge and level of adherence with medical treatment. METHODS: A total of 300 patients (32 men aged 65 +/- 9 years and 268 women aged 63 +/- 8 years), recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, were randomised to either an osteoporosis school programme (four classes of 8 to 12 participants over four weeks) or a control group. Teaching was multidisciplinary, based on patients' experiences and background and designed to encourage empowerment. Patients' knowledge about osteoporosis and adherence to treatment was assessed with self-completed questionnaires at baseline and after 3, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups with respect to knowledge score or level of adherence. At two years' follow-up, the improvement in knowledge score was 2 (0 to 4) points (median (25 to 75 percentiles)) in the school group and 0 (-2 to 2) in controls (p < 0.001) and self-reported adherence to pharmacological therapy was significantly higher in the school group (92%) compared to the control group (80%), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The programme increased knowledge about osteoporosis and increased self-reported adherence to pharmacological treatment over a period of two years.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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