Background
: Osteoporosis is a major public problem. Although clinicians have advocated hormone replacement therapy and other clinical measures, few studies have assessed whether these measures are being adopted by primary care physicians in practice. The purpose of this study is to investigate the practice patterns of primary care physicians and to assess the impact of doctors' specialty on osteoporosis management.

Methods : Questionnaire was sent to all primary care physicians in Inchon city. The questionnaire contained questions regarding general characteristics of physicians, practice pattern and whether he(she) participates in the management of osteoporosis.

Results : Among 451 practitioners, 172 replies were received. 53.3% primary care providers participated in the management of osteoporosis. 70.4% family physicians, 73.5% gynecologists and 70.4% orthopedic surgeons, 25.9% general internists, 30.3% general physician participated. Female physicians participated more than males. Concerning the reason why they did not participate, their reasons were deficiency of laboratory or radiologic facility in 70.1%, insufficient knowledge in 22%. 88.9% of physicians evaluated risk factors for osteoporosis. Groups concerning postmenopausal women, older age, history of bilateral oophorectomy were evaluated at high rate(above 75% physicians). Concerning prescription, they recommended exercise and dietary calcium in 51.5% and recommended HRT in 37.7%, calcium in 36.5%, calcitonin in 22.8%, vitamin D in 18.6%. 55.6% family physicians, 73.5% gynecologists, 20% general physicians, 11.1% general internists were prescribing HRT. History taking was done in 92.1%, along with breast examination in 58.7%, pelvic examination in 31.7% before HRT. Patient education was given in 45.5%.

Conclusion : Insignificant proportion of primary care physicians participated in the management of osteoporosis and in HRT. Their attitudes and practice patterns appear to be influenced by their profession and sex but not by age. We conclude that more participation of primary care physicians and their continuing education are required in the management of osteoporosis.