RESUMO
To determine the prevalence and severity of low bone density in the females of Quetta city and find out its co-relation with dietary factors and blood calcium level. Descriptive Correlation study. Two hundred women from all ethnic groups which included mixed population of Pathans, Balochi, and settlers [residing from last 30-65 years] of Quetta city were randomly enrolled in this study. A sample of 200 adult healthy women, residents of Quetta city, aged 20-80 years were randomly selected to participate in the study. Blood calcium level was determined by Blood biochemical auto analyzer and bone mineral density of these subjects was measured by bonesonometer. A questionnaire was used to collect dietary, sociodemographic, age, dietary factors and other relevant detailed information affecting bone mineral density [BMD] status of women. Amongst all the subjects 66 [38%] were osteopenic, 17 [8.5%] and 117 [58.5%] were normal. T-score was positively correlated with milk, [p<0.01] and negatively correlated to age [r=-0.61, p<0.01], junk food and women bearing more than four children. BMD decreased with increasing age and low BMD was found to be more prevalent in women above 45