PREVALÊNCIA DE OSTEOPOROSE EM PACIENTES COM USO CRÔNICO DE CORTICOIDE

The excessive and uncontrolled use of medications, especially glucocorticoids, has become increasingly common, driven by increased longevity and self-medication. Despite their therapeutic benefits, prolonged use of these drugs can cause serious adverse effects, such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and emotional disorders. The lack of understanding of the risks and the technical language present in the information on medications make it difficult for the population to use them consciously. In addition, the functioning of the body shows that the natural production of cortisol is complex and regulated by a precise hormonal system, which reinforces the need for caution when artificially interfering with this process. Therefore, the study’s problem question is: “What is the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with chronic use of corticosteroids?”. In view of the above, the study’s general objective is to describe the prevalence of exposure to corticosteroids in the development of osteoporosis. This study is characterized as an epidemiological study with a descriptive design, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out through an integrative literature review, using scientific articles published between 2022 and 2024. The databases selected for consultation were: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (BVS) and PubMed. Therefore, recognizing the prevalence of this condition is essential to plan effective preventive and therapeutic interventions, contributing to improving the quality of life and reducing complications associated with osteoporosis in patients on chronic corticosteroid use.