The Mediating Effect of Fall Risk Perception on the Relationship between Fracture Risk and Fall Prevention Behaviors in Women with Osteoporosis

Purpose: This study aims to establish a theoretical framework for the fall prevention behavior improvement program by verifying the associations between fracture risk, fall risk perception, and fall prevention behaviors in women with osteoporosis. Methods: A survey was conducted in 122 women who were diagnosed as osteoporosis by having T-score of the femur bone density below -2.5 standard deviation from the bone density examination performed in 2 orthopedic clinics located in B metropolitan city between July 2014 and September 2014. The risk of fracture, level of fall risk perception, and fall prevention behaviors were measured. Results: Fall risk perception had a complete mediating effect on the relationship between the fracture risk and fall prevention behaviors in women with osteoporosis. Conclusion: The perception of fall risk is important to enhance fall prevention behaviors in women with osteoporosis, and the development of various education programs to improve awareness of fall risk is needed.