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.