Prevalence of Low Bone Mineral Density among Narikuravar Women of 18-45 Years of Age in Sakkimangalam Village, Madurai, 2021.

Abstract

Background: Low bone mineral density comprising of both osteopenia and osteoporosis is a major health problem affecting 81% of elderly women. It is a silent disease causing bone fractures, thereby decreasing the quality of life. However, the real basis lies in the failure to achieve adequate bone mass at a young age due to nutritional and other factors. Women, especially tribes, lack a healthy diet. Studies on bone mineral density (BMD) among tribes were scarce. Hence, the need for the present study is observed.

Material and methods: 1. To estimate the prevalence of low BMD among Narikuravar women of 18-45 years. 2. To determine the association of BMD with sociodemographic factors and dietary calcium intake. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Narikuravar colony, Sakkimangalam village, Madurai. Out of 210 women aged 18-45 (obtained from Family Register), 146 eligible participants were interviewed using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. BMD was measured using calcaneal USG and WHO T score calculated. Analysis was done by SPSS 21.0. Simple proportions were calculated. The Chi-square test and correlation were used to find an association.

Results: Based on the WHO T score, the prevalence of low BMD was 55.5% (n = 81). One hundred percent of study participants had a calcium intake less than the daily requirement. Low BMD was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with lower educational status, alcohol, increasing age (r = -0.750), and low calcium intake (r = 0.188).

Conclusions: A high prevalence of low BMD warrants early screening at the primary care level itself to improve quality of life in the future. Health education on nutrition, physical activity, and alcohol cessation can be given in multiple sessions.