Osteopenia in the younger females

ABSTRACT

To find out the frequency of osteopenia in young females and compare the bone mineral density [BMD] in females of different age groups. Cross-sectional study. This study was conducted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit V, Lyari General Hospital during Dow University of Health Sciences Health Expo at Expo Centre, Karachi, held on October 12, 2009. All females visiting our stall were offered BMD testing, irrespective of age group and parity. Pregnant ladies were excluded. Age, marital status, parity and occupation were noted. BMD was tested using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound [BMD Sahara Hologic G 4262]. WHO criteria were used for defining BMD. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 15. Chi square test was used to compare various groups. Results were considered significant if p value was <0.05. A total of 170 women were included in the study, with mean age of 37.89 +/- 12.6 years. BMD was found decreased in 64% of women of women between 31-45 years and in 73.9% of women >/= 45 years. Osteoporosis was more frequent in women with parity >/= 4. Non-working women were found to have lower BMD as compared to working women and students. Majority of young female population had osteopenia. Steps should be taken to address this problem at an earlier age so as to prevent its complications later in life