In stigmatized illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), shame and other negative self-conscious emotions are associated with suboptimal engagement in healthcare via stress and avoidance coping. However, shame is challenging to assess via self-reporting. Research has shown that people express emotions in different ways, including self-reported emotion, what they say (using shame-related words), and facial and body movements.  While people may be self-conscious about expressing or revealing shame, combining ways to measure shame could be helpful in improving accurate assessment. 

In a new study of individuals recently diagnosed with HIV, researchers found that a combination of measuring shame—self-report, language, and body posture—are necessary to predict stress and avoidance behaviors in healthcare settings. Relying on one method they found is insufficient—while using multiple, complementary measures better predicted stress and specific types of coping. 

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) proudly celebrates a major milestone for its global Capture the Fracture® (CTF) programme: the 1,310 Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) within the CTF network now collectively identify more than one million patients every year. Following a fragility fracture, the risk of subsequent fractures approximately doubles, with the likelihood of another fracture highest within the first one to two years after the initial event. Coordinated post-fracture care services such as Fracture Liaison Services and orthogeriatric services play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of future fractures. These services help ensure that patients who experience an osteoporosis-related fracture are not simply discharged without follow-up, but instead receive timely osteoporosis assessment, appropriate treatment, and ongoing care to help prevent additional fractures. In the past five years, Capture the Fracture® has expanded three-fold and is recognized as the leading global initiative supporting the implementation of coordinated, multidisciplinary models of care for secondary fracture prevention.