Exploring Telemedicine Needs and Barriers in Women with Osteoporosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine (TM) offers opportunities for disease management; however, patient-centered expectations, priorities, and barriers remain insufficiently characterized. METHODS: A questionnaire assessed TM desire, expected benefits, topic preferences, and perceived barriers among women with osteoporosis. A telemedicine need score (TNS) was constructed based on living alone, inability to drive, and the presence of chronic illness. Associations were examined using chi-square and nonparametric tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: < 0.001; OR = 2.91). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.79) and unmarried status (OR = 1.86) were independently associated with higher odds of high TM need. CONCLUSIONS: TM may address key gaps in osteoporosis care by supporting medication-related counseling and fracture-prevention education; however, age-related digital barriers may limit uptake. Osteoporosis-oriented TM programs should prioritize usability support and targeted education, particularly for adults aged ≥65 years.