Detection of low bone mineral density in self-referred and medically referred patients

Abstract

IntroductionThe Mexican health-care system is a mixture of governmental and private institutions. The osteoporosis screening algorithm has a multiple case start-point, the most common being medical referral; however, self-screening is available where patients can arrange a bone densitometry themselves. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of self-screening for osteoporosis and osteopenia among a Mexican population. Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study was performed as a secondary outcome from an institutional cohort of patients who attended an osteoporosis center. We divided the cohort into two groups: self-referred patients and medical-referred patients. ResultsThe overall prevalence of osteoporosis between the two groups was 1160 (self-referred n=44; 29.5% vs medical-referred n=227; 22.5%; p=.057) (OR (Odds Ratio); 95% CI (Confidence Interval): 1.44; .98–2.12) and the prevalence of osteopenia was (n=122; 81.9% vs n=811; 80.2%; p=.633) (OR (Odds Ratio); 95% CI (Confidence Interval): 1.11; .71–1.73). ConclusionThere was no statistical difference between the self-referred and the medically referred patients in the overall diagnosis of osteoporosis and/or osteopenia. Nevertheless, the incidence of osteoporosis and osteopenia as an outcome for the self-referred patients was not lower than that of those with a medical referral.