Osteoporosis in Sri Lanka.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sri Lanka's population is aging rapidly, with the median age projected to reach 45 by 2041.
• An aging population increases vulnerability to age-related diseases like osteoporosis.
• Two epidemiological studies were conducted in Sri Lanka to investigate osteoporosis and bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in Sri Lankan women.
• To assess bone density changes and calcium intake in a suburban population.
• To identify age-related declines in bone stiffness in both men and women.

Main Methods:

• The Galle Prospective Osteoporosis Survey recruited 350 women.
• A second study involved 986 participants from a suburban area near Colombo.
• Heel ultrasound was used to measure stiffness index, alongside calcium intake assessment.

Main Results:

• Osteoporosis was prevalent in 42.4% of women overall and 61.5% of women over 50.
• Bone stiffness (stiffness index) began declining after age 50 in women, coinciding with menopause.
• Bone stiffness also decreased in men after the age of 70.

Conclusions:

• Osteoporosis is a significant public health concern in Sri Lanka, particularly among post-menopausal women.
• Age-related decline in bone health is evident in both genders.
• Further research and interventions are needed to address the growing burden of osteoporosis.