To study the awareness of osteoporosis in postmenopausal Indian women in a Northeast part of India: An evaluation of the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale

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

Background

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).

Objective

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Knowledge, health belief, and associated factors towards the prevention of osteoporosis among post-menopausal women in Metu Town, southwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose mass and strength. It is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in women, especially those of post-menopausal age. It is estimated that 30% of postmenopausal women globally suffer from osteoporosis. This study aimed to assess knowledge, health beliefs, and associated factors towards the prevention of osteoporosis among post-menopausal women in Metu Town, southwest Ethiopia, 2021.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 post-menopause women. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were condcuted to identify factors significantly associated with the outcome variable.

RESULTS

The results showed that 38.4% and 44.5% of participants had adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs towards the prevention of osteoporosis. Age, marital status, educational status, employment status, and self and family history of osteoporosis were significantly associated with knowledge. Age, educational status, self and family history of osteoporosis, and sources of information were significantly associated with health beliefs.

CONCLUSION

More than 40% of participants had adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs. Being younger, better educated, and having a personal and family history of osteoporosis increased the odds of having adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs. Being employed and getting information from families and friends had a significant association with higher odds of adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs.