Chinese Guideline on Risk Management of Osteoporosis in the General Public.

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a common chronic skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, resulting in increased fragility and fracture risk. With rapid population aging in China, the prevalence of osteoporosis is rising, while public awareness and engagement in prevention remain insufficient. Existing national guidelines mainly target healthcare professionals and lack accessible, evidence-based recommendations for the general public. This guideline aims to provide practical guidance for osteoporosis risk assessment and prevention at the population level.

Methods: The guideline was developed by the Chinese Health Risk Management Collaboration-Osteoporosis Group in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development, the Principles for Developing or Revising Clinical Practice Guidelines in China (2022), and AGREE II and RIGHT frameworks. Evidence from both English and Chinese databases was synthesized and graded using the GRADE approach. Fourteen key questions were formulated through a modified Delphi consensus process.

Results: A total of 15 recommendations were developed, covering osteoporosis risk screening (OSTA, IOF One-Minute Test, FRAX), dietary and nutritional strategies (protein, dairy, calcium, vitamin D, fruits and vegetables), lifestyle interventions (exercise, bodyweight control, sunlight exposure, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, tea drinking), and fracture prevention in patients with osteoporosis.

Conclusion: This guideline provides practical, evidence-based strategies to improve public awareness and promote risk management of osteoporosis among the general population, potentially reducing fracture incidence and public health burden.