Screening for Low Bone Mineral Density Among Attendants of a Health Campaign Using Calcaneal Qualitative Ultrasonography, Madinah , 2014.

Abstract

Background/aim:-Osteoporosis is a major public health concern with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out to screen the bone mineral density (BMD) in different age groups of adults attending a health campaign. Methods:-during the "Your Heath Is Your Life "campaign that was lunched in Madinh, SA, from 24th of April 2014 to 2nd of May 2014 , a community based cross sectional study of bone mineral density in adults was carried out in 336 adults using WHO T-scores utilizing calcaneal qualitative ultrasound (QUS) as a diagnostic tool. A detailed self-reported questionnaire was obtained including demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and medical condition data. For females, additional data were obtained including obstetric and gynecological histories, and sun exposure and protection behavioral data. Body mass index was calculated. Results:-screening retrieved 63 (18.8%) adults with low T-Scores (14.9% osteopenia and 3.9% osteoporosis). Variables including known risk factors were equally distributed in both low and normal T-Score groups, except for male gender (57.1% vs. 20.1%); employment status (58.7% vs 39.7%), and exercise frequency (once (51.6%) vs. > 3 times (36.8%) weekly) and duration (16.1% vs. 25% exercised for 45-60 min.) which were significantly higher in the low T-Score group. Conclusion:-in a Saudi community, 18.8% prevalence of low BMD was detected among adults. Low BMD was associated with male gender, employment, and exercise frequency and duration. Therefore, adults especially employed men, should be encouraged to exercise. Future studies in young Saudi adults using more reliable methods are needed to confirm these findings and to identify secondary causes or unidentified risk factors