Prevalence and predictors of low bone mineral density among adults aged 50 years and above in Chandigarh, India.

Abstract

Osteoporosis, defined as skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone density and strength, is prevalent in both developing and developed countries. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is an effective tool to diagnose low bone mineral density (BMD). This study objective was to know the prevalence and predictors of low BMD in a community-based screening program among the adult population using DEXA scan. In this community-based study conducted between January and June 2016, a population-based screening program was offered to both males and females of age 50 years and above. BMD was measured to derive T-scores and classify as normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic individuals. A total of 455 subjects were enrolled where 62.4% proportion was women; 42.6% subjects were in the age group of 50 to 59 years. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 20.9% and 48.1%, respectively. Hypertension (23.7%) and diabetes (8.4%) were common comorbidities. Age and gender (female) were independent predictors of low BMD. Osteoporosis/osteopenia is present in both genders with increasing trend with age advancement. Institution of timely screening will prevent the morbidity associated with fractures due to low BMD.