Assessment of bone health status and its risk factors in under privileged tribal and rural elderly of Godhra and Vadodara district

Abstract

Background: Bone density is a measurement of the minerals in our bones. This measurement determines bone health, as well as risk for fracture. Aims & Objectives: To assess the bone health of the elderly subjects and to identify the various risk factors that contribute in poor bone health and leads to osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted in the total of 180 elderly subjects from under privileged tribal and rural elderly of Godhra and Vadodara district, Gujarat. Disease (osteoporosis) & exposure status was measured in group of individuals (geriatric age group) simultaneously. A bone mineral density test (BMD), a non-invasive and painless test is the best way to determine the bone density. BMD test was carried out and its association with different risk factors was analysed. Results: Out of total 180 elderly subjects included in the study, 147 (81.66%) subjects showed abnormal bone mineral density test (osteopenia -Grade 1 / osteoporosis - Grade 2). Abnormal BMD was found in 77.5% of patients in rural areas and 85% of patients in tribal areas. In this study age of the patient, sex, calcium intake, vitamin D intake, pain in joints, lack of stamina and BMI was found to be significantly associated (P 0.05). Conclusion: The present study is useful to measure the frequency (prevalence) of conditions & demonstrate associations for osteopenia and osteoporosis. As they identify the existence of health problems, treatment is possible at an early stage of the disease and quality of life can be improved.