Osteoporosis in community-dwelling older adults: Prevalence and prevention and control strategies in general practice

Abstract

BackgroundThe rising number of people with osteoporosis and with low bone mass presents significant challenges to community-based prevention and treatment efforts for osteoporosis ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the basic conditions of osteoporosis prevention and control in communities. This included assessing the basic process and costs associated with enrolling the target population, as well as examining the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis, to provide evidence supporting general practitioners to develop precise prevention and control strategies. MethodsFrom May to August 2021, the study encompassed 322 participants, who visit Bund Community Health Centre of Shanghai China for outpatient consultations or health check-up. We collected data on demographics, bone mineral density (BMD), and risk factors for osteoporosis through a questionnaire survey. ResultsThe average cost per person for enrolling participants for osteoporosis screening was 57.34 Yuan. Among the 322 participants, 27 (8.4 %) had normal bone mass, 157 (48.8 %) exhibited low bone mass, and 138 (42.8 %) were diagnosed with osteoporosis, resulting in a BMD abnormality rate (low bone mass and osteoporosis) of 91.6 %. There were statistically significant differences between genders and BMI among the normal bone mass, low bone mass and osteoporosis groups (P < 0.05). The average BMD for these groups was -0.72 ± 0.27, -1.88 ± 0.38, and -3.17 ± 0.53 AU/mm3, respectively. Regarding exercise habits, the prevalence of limited exercise in the normal bone mass, low bone mass, and osteoporosis groups was 37.0 % (10/27), 49.7 % (78/157) and 64.5 % (89/138), respectively; concerning exercise intensity, moderate-intensity exercise was prevalent at rates of 74.1 % (20/27), 79.6 % (125/157), and 80.4 % (111/138) in these groups. However, dietary habits and other osteoporosis risk factors, such as surgery history, smoking history, allergy history, and previous history, showed no significant differences among the three groups. Meanwhile, for dietary habits, 48.8 % (157/322) of all participants never consumed beer, liquor and red wine, 32.0 % (103/322) drank coffee 4–6 times per week, and 31.4 % (101/322) consumed pickled vegetables or smoked foods 4–6 times per week. ConclusionThe community setting is advantageous for preventing and treating osteoporosis due to the brief enrollment period and low cost. However, the exercise and dietary habits of community dwelling older adults need to be improved. Therefore, teams of primary care providers, including doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, should provide timely guidance to enhance dietary structures, foster healthy exercise habits, and actively control the progression of osteoporosis.