Dietary calcium intake and physical activity levels among people living in Karnataka, India – An observational hospital-based study

BACKGROUND: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our body with varied functions, and its dietary deficiency leads to osteoporosis. Various studies have shown that adequate dietary calcium intake (DCI) and moderately increased physical activity if maintained for long term prevent osteoporosis. The data regarding DCI of people living in Karnataka, south India, are limited. Thus, we aimed to assess DCI, physical activity, and their predictors among people living in Karnataka. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was done among 250 inpatients and normal relatives of orthopedics department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Multistage random sampling was performed. DCI and physical activity were measured using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) DCI was 499.94 (251.5). The prevalence [95 confidence interval (CI)] of poor intakers of DCI [DCI < Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)] was 76.6% (70.9, 81.7). However, only 43.52% of all participants with poor DCI were on supplements. Male gender [2.189 (1.125, 4.257)], elderly [1.988 (1.067, 3.705)], and low knowledge score [1.240 (1.093, 1.407)] were significant predictors of low DCI. The proportion (95 CI) of patients who were categorized as having low physical activity (LPA) was 44.0% (37.8, 50.4). The predictors for LPA [adjusted odds ratio (95 CI)] were marital status, being single [1.853 (1.047, 3.282)], and low socioeconomic status class [1.209 (1.002, 1.458)]. CONCLUSION: DCI was below the RDA for three-fourths of our patients with nearly half of them being physically inactive, indicating the need for better education regarding DCI and improving physical activity, all of which can prevent osteoporosis.