Prevalence and correlation of osteoporosis with different risk factors

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence and severity of low bone density and its correlation with different risk factors for osteoporosis in Quetta. Descriptive cross sectional study. This study was conducted in the suburbs and urban setup of Quetta from February, 2009 to March, 2009. A total of 212 females ranging from 18-72 years of age were selected. The subjects were interviewed regarding dietary calcium, socio-economic conditions and the associated diseases, and risk factors for osteoporosis. The calcaneal bone density of the subjects was measured using Bone Sonometer. Data was employed to differentiate between osteopenic and osteoporotic women and to analyze the results statistically. Risk factors for osteoporosis were highly prevalent. Many rural area subjects were current or former smokers [45%], and were negatively correlated [-.234] with low bone density. Total dietary calcium intake from both the localities was much lower than recommended. Subject with normal bone mineral density [57%] were prevalent, with 56% in rural area residents and 58% in urban area. Amongst all the subjects, 24% were osteopenic, [18% in rural area and 30% in urban area; 19% had osteoporosis with 26% in rural area and 12% in urban area. T-score of all the subjects was positively correlated with physical acitivities and total calcium intake, [p<0.01] and negatively correlated to smoking [r= -0.234, p<0.01], bone fracture history [r=-0.311 p<0.01], junk food especially in the young women of urban locality and old age. The mean t-score of Killi natives was 1.3 compared to an average t-score of -0.9 for urban natives. The risk factors for low bone density and osteoporosis are prevalent in both urban and rural women and are likely to increase during the next decade due to the aging of this population. A comprehensive prevention program to reduce the prevalence of amendable risk factors in this population is necessary