Health Literacy's Impact on Exercise Habits and Medication Adherence in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and increased fracture risk. Treatment includes exercise, nutrition, supplements, and medications like bisphosphonates, denosumab, or hormone replacement therapy. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and preventing falls are also crucial. Despite effective treatments, adherence is low: 20-30% of patients don't start oral bisphosphonates, and 16-60% continue medications after one year. Exercise adherence rates are similarly low (14.3%-57.7%). This non-adherence imposes a significant clinical and economic burden. Health literacy (HL)-the ability to find, understand, and use health information-is vital for managing health but is understudied in relation to osteoporosis treatment adherence. This study aims to examine the relationship between HL, exercise habits, and medication adherence in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. Understanding these factors can lead to effective interventions, improving patient adherence and health outcomes. The study will measure HL levels and their correlation with medication and exercise adherence, potentially informing health education programs and strategies to enhance treatment adherence. By doing so, it aims to improve health outcomes and healthcare system efficiency.