Exploring the dilemma of secondary fracture prevention in Chinese families from the experience of elderly fragility fractures: a qualitative study based on Confucian cultural background
Abstract Background Osteoporotic secondary fractures are associated with high mortality and poor prognosis. However, little is known about subsequent fracture prevention behaviors in the home environment, especially regarding the experiences, perceptions, and decisions of patients and family caregiv...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Geriatrics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06236-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Osteoporotic secondary fractures are associated with high mortality and poor prognosis. However, little is known about subsequent fracture prevention behaviors in the home environment, especially regarding the experiences, perceptions, and decisions of patients and family caregivers. Methods A purposive sampling method was used to select 20 elderly patients with osteoporotic subsequent fractures and 10 family caregivers from a tertiary hospital in Beijing for semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants described three interconnected themes: internalized negative age stereotypes, attitude-driven osteoporosis management deficiencies, and family caregiving challenges under Confucian culture. Internalized negative age stereotypes profoundly affected elderly individuals’ attitudes and behaviors toward fragility fractures and health management through a dual mechanism of decreased behavioral autonomy and negative outcome expectations. Meanwhile, attitude-driven osteoporosis management deficiencies significantly increased the risk of subsequent fractures. The effectiveness of family caregiving under Confucian culture varied according to differences in cognition, beliefs, and cultural identity. Conclusion This qualitative study provides new insight into the dilemma of subsequent fragility fracture prevention among elderly individuals. Starting from cultural concepts and proactive health education, helping the elderly establish a positive attitude toward aging can enhance their awareness of subsequent fracture prevention and treatment, as well as their initiative and confidence in health management. Meanwhile, perpetuating the beneficial effects of Confucian culture and enhancing community support for family caregiving may contribute to improved health management of elderly individuals with fragility fractures. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2318 |