ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELF-CARE ABILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ELDERLY WOMEN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive skeletal condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to increased fracture risk. Often dubbed the “silent disease,” osteoporosis primarily affects elderly individuals, especially postmenopausal women, due to hormonal shifts that accelerate bone loss. Objective: To determine the correlation between self-care capabilities and quality of life in older women with osteoporosis in Peshawar. Materials and Method: This six-month cross-sectional correlational study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, using random sampling. It focused on postmenopausal women aged 60 or above, diagnosed with osteoporosis. Women with mental retardation or comorbidities affecting functional ability were excluded to ensure the study's focus on osteoporosis-related factors. Result: This study analysed the relationship between self-care ability and quality of life among 253 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Results showed a weak, non-significant correlation (r = 0.012, p = 0.853). Most participants were aged 65–69, married, uneducated, and housewives. Findings highlight the demographic profile and limited professional engagement, with no significant link between self-care and quality of life. Conclusion: This study highlights the vital role of self-care and health literacy in improving the quality of life among older women with osteoporosis in Peshawar. It calls for targeted health education, early diagnosis, and holistic care approaches to empower women, reduce risks, and enhance well-being in underserved communities facing limited healthcare access.