RESUMO
Osteoporosis is a major health problem. Bone growth during childhood and adolescence is as important as bone loss that affects the development of osteoporosis. This work is a part of a national survey carried out by the National Nutrition Institute to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Egypt among adolescents and adults and the effect of some factors on bone health conducted in the period 2001-2004. In a representative sample of Egypt, 2039 male and 2021 female adolescents in the age group [10-19] years were included [2500 families]. Among collected information was detailed medical examination and socioeconomic data. Weight and height were measured and percentile body mass index [p-BMI] was calculated and categorized in accordance to WHO [1995]. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was done to all subjects. Random blood sample was collected for subgroup to assess serum levels of sex hormones; testosterone and estrogen. Results showed that the prevalence of relative osteoporosis among adolescents is [16.7% and 0.9%] while the percentage of those with relative osteopenia was about [45.6% and 28.7%] among males and females respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that increase in age, attained height and increase in body mass index have direct relations with increased bone mineral density [BMD]. Also the genetic predisposition [as reflected by parents BMD] was found to have an effect on bone health in adolescents. Results did not show any significant role for hormonal levels in both sexes. Protective strategies should be started at earlier ages as well as nutrition and health education programs to prevent and control osteoporosis