A Hospital Based One Year Cross Sectional Study to Know The Prevalence Of Osteoporosis In Women Aged More Than 45 Years Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan (Dexa)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Osteopororsis is one of the most common non communicable disease in elderly women. It is also one of the most common under diagnosed condition in our Indian population. Aim of the study was to know the prevalence of osteoporosis in women aged more than 45 years in our region. To find out the various risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Methodology : Data was collected from all women with age more than 45 years attending outpatient and inpatient Orthopaedics department and also females attending osteoporotic check up camps who were willing to undergo DEXA Scan. DEXA was done at hip and spine to assess BMD. Various other risk factors were evaluated through a questionnaire. T Scores and Z Scores were evaluated for the presence of osteoporosis based on WHO Criteria. Results: 100 women aged more than 45 years were studied. Prevalence of osteoporosis at the spine was 39% while at the hip was 20%. The overall prevalence was 42%. Mean height of osteoporotic women was not significantly different from other women, however osteoporotic women had lower body weight and significantly lower body mass index. Predominantly osteoporotic women were house wives (80%) and worked indoors with reduced duration of exposure of sunlight. Also most osteoporotic women were vegetarians (88%). Time since menopause was also associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia. The prevalence of osteoporosis was higher among the group with inadequate exposure to sunlight ( 70%). 6% women positive family history for fracture of the hip and wrist after trivial fall and all the 6% women had osteoporosis in this study. iii Conclusion and interpretation: High prevalence in this semi urban group of women is a cause for concern. Measures such as adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, physical activity and exposure to sunlight will be useful in preventing occurrence of osteoporosis. As the diagnosis and long term treatment of osteoporosis and consequent fractures are expensive for the individual as well as the health system, there is a need for careful consideration in determining the risk factors as well as the future course of action on scientific evidence.