Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density in Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

To ascertain the determination associated with LBMD among patients above 30 years of age. The study was conducted over a period of two years. Age, gender, cigarette use, exposure to sunlight, physical activity, BMI, family history of osteoporosis and studyle of clothing were assessed using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 version. Chi-square test was used to find the association between bone mineral density and factors such as age, gender, physical activity, exposure to sunlight, and BMI. The study population consisted of 444 subjects, and among them 15.8% were males and 84.2% females. The results revealed that 60.8% had low bone mineral density, of whom 11 had severe osteoporosis, 99 osteoporosis, and 160 osteopenia. The risk was high in the age group 70+ [Adjusted OR=12.21], followed by 60-69 years [Adjusted OR=6.31], 50-59 years [Adjusted OR=4.70] and 40-49 years [Adjusted OR=2.15]. Participants who had occasional sunlight exposure had 3.28 times higher risk of developing osteoporosis. With regard to physical activity, a risk 1.5 times higher was noticed in those without any physical activity as compared to those with some physical activity. Obesity and overweight were associated with 0.38 and 0.37 times risk of developing osteoporosis respectively. A 2.57 times higher risk was observed among participants with a positive family history of osteoporosis. Aging, lack of physical activity, excess body weight, and inadequate exposure to sunlight were identified as the major risk factors associated with low bone mineral density