Women's Perception of Bone-Mineral Density Testing and Osteoporosis Education in the Community Pharmacy

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess women's level of acceptance and attitudes toward bone-mineral density (BMD) testing and osteoporosis education in the community pharmacy. Design: The study design was a questionnaire with 13 statements using a five-point scale anchored from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." The statements focused an the value and comfort level of BMD testing in a pharmacy, confidence in pharmacists, osteoporosis education in the pharmacy, and payment for such services. One-sample t-tests were used to assess whether the responses statistically differed from the midpoint scale value. Comparisons also were made between demographic characteristics (education level, family history of osteoporosis, and daily calcium intake). Setting: An independently owned grocery store chain (Bashas') in the Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona, metropolitan areas. Patients: The survey was administered to women upon completion of a BMD screening. Main Outcome Measures: Responses to 13 statements and demographic questions. Results: Eighty women completed the survey. Women strongly agreed that BMD testing in community pharmacies was valuable and that it would increase the public's awareness of osteoporosis. For all 13 statements, respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the importance and role of BMD testing. All responses were statistically significantly greater than the midpoint scale value (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in responses among women with higher education, with a family history of osteoporosis, and who take daily calcium (P>0.05). Conclusions: These women's opinions suggest that BMD testing has a useful role in community pharmacies.