Osteoporosis in Indians revisited

Osteoporosis an emerging public health problem in developed as well as developing countries, affecting both men and women. Introduction: To estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis and related factors, by using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 396 people, measuring their bone mineral density (BMD) by using QUS; after the participants were interviewed using a proforma. Results: Out of the 396 subjects, 198 were males and 198 were females, with a male to female ratio of 1:1; among the males 9.60% had osteoporosis and 44.44% had osteopenia, on the other hand, 11.62% women had osteoporosis and 50.00% had osteopenia. Majority (72.72%) were in the age group of 45 to 54 years. Overall osteopenia was found in 187 (47.22%) and osteoporosis in 42(10.61%); their mean (± SD) age was 52.91 (±9.99) years, with a range of 42 to 88 years. Their mean (± SD) height, weight and body mass index (BMI), important indicators of the nutritional status of the population, were 2.39(± 1.04) m, 63.75(±11.38) kg and 23.98(±3.94), respectively. With increasing age the incidence of osteopenia & osteoporosis were higher; although this was not found to statistically significant. Chi-square analysis showed that educational level, socio-economic status and marital status showed significant associations. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of osteoporosis in Odisha and the urgent need for measures to improve the nutritional status, dietary calcium intake and thus the bone health of this population.