PREVALENCE OF OSTEOPENIA IN FEMALE RESIDENTS OF PUNJAB MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSTELS

Objective: The research aimed to find out the prevalence of osteopenia in females living in the hostel of Punjab Medical College. Our aim is also to compare the bone destiny in them during they stay in the hostel. Research Design: Cross-sectional study Placement and Duration of the study: This study held in Liaqat Hall and Fatima Hall of Punjab Medical College Hostels, Faisalabad from June 2014 to August 2014. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria were female students of any class of MBBS residing in Punjab Medical College Hostels, while students on steroid therapy were excluded. Data was collected by us on predesigned questionnaires. Names, age, class, home town and ethnicity of all participants were noted. BMD was tested using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (osteo Sys Sonost 3000 Ac10B1110271). No amount was charged from any person, as per cost of machine or test. Data was entered into SSPS version 13. Descriptive statistics were applied and results were presented using tables. Means with standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables, while frequencies were calculated for categorical variables. Chi square test was used to compare various groups. Results were considered significant if p value was < 0.05. Conclusion: Majority of our young female population has osteopenia. Steps should be taken to address this problem at an earlier age so as to prevent its complications in later life. Keywords: Osteopenia, Females, Postmenopausal women, T-score, BMD