Contributing Factors to Osteoporosis and Osteopenia in Adults above 55 Years: A Case Study of Patients Visiting Federal Diagnostic Centre

Abstract

Purpose: Screening can help in early detection of osteoporosis and osteopenia and help in recommending appropriate treatment thus reducing fracture-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the contributing factors to osteoporosis and osteopenia among out-patients aged above 55 years. Methodology: The study employed randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The identified patients were screened using bone tests such as DXA, quantitative ultrasound, and the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) as the standard. This was measured using the Calcaneal Quantitative Ultra Sound (QUS). The study also used a structured questionnaire to identify the socio-demographic profile of the patients and clinical risk assessments for osteoporosis or fracture risk. The sample size was 250 out-patients aged above 55 years. Findings: The study found out that lower back pain and knee pain were the common musculoskeletal presentations. It was evident that osteoporosis and osteopenia was common in out-patients who had low exposure to sunlight (71%). The study found that major contributing factors to osteoporosis and osteopenia are advanced age, low bone mineral density score, hysterectomy, gender, and educational status. Conclusion: The study conclude that people aged above 55 years are at high risk of suffering from osteoporosis and osteopenia. Recommendation: The study recommend people above 55 years to undergo screening to facilitate early detection of osteoporosis and osteopenia. This will help them in getting appropriate and timely management of symptoms and improve their quality of life.