Life satisfaction in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis of the spine.

This exploratory-descriptive study was undertaken to determine what combination of variables was the best predictor of life satisfaction in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis of the spine and vertebral fractures. A sample of 93 women, drawn from private osteoporosis clinics, completed the four research questionnaires. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, product-moment correlations, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Analysis of the data revealed that there were significant predictors of life satisfaction in this group. Life satisfaction was best predicted by the following combination of variables: income level, frequency of back pain, perceived internal control over health, and perceived social support.