Date Presented 03/23/24
There is currently a lack of qualitative research on women with osteoporosis. This research project will gain perspectives from women with osteoporosis or osteopenia regarding the physical occupations that support or limit their health and well-being.
Primary Author and Speaker: Nikki Kathryn Staffen
Contributing Authors: Julie Bass
PURPOSE: There has been limited qualitative research conducted on women with osteoporosis (Randles et al, 2004; Grant & Lundon, 1999). The aim of this research was to gain perspectives from women with osteoporosis/osteopenia regarding the physical occupations that support or limit their health and wellbeing.
METHOD: This project used photovoice, a qualitative research design, to explore the lived experiences of individuals (Wang & Burris, 1997). Participants were active members of a community exercise class who participated in 7 sessions focused on photography as a vehicle for expression, group process, descriptive narratives, and dissemination through a gallery show.
RESULTS: Case examples of individual photovoice projects will be shared to illustrate primary themes related to the meaning, importance and challenges of participating in physical occupations with the condition. Commonalities among the participants and variation in perspectives will be shared. Implications: Attendees will discuss the implications of Photovoice themes for occupational therapy practice and community wellness programs.
CONCLUSIONS: Photovoice was an effective method for exploring and understanding the experiences of women with osteoarthritis and osteopenia as they performed their physical occupations.
References
Górczewska, B., & Jakubowska-Pietkiewicz, E. (2022). Sociodemographic factors affecting the disease acceptance in the group of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. International Journal of Occupation Medicine and Environmental Health, 35(3), 273–283. doi: https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01841
Reventlow, D. S. (2007). Perceived risk of osteoporosis: restricted physical activities? Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 25(3), 160–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/02813430701305668
Wang, C., & Burris, M. A. (1997). Photovoice: concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment. Health Education & Behavior, 24(3), 369–387. http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/67790
