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[Epidemiology of osteoporosis in Croatia]
Selma Cvijetić1, Simeon Grazio, Darko Kastelan
1Institut za medicinska istralivanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb.
Insights
Osteoporosis and fractures are rising in Croatia, with higher fracture rates than Europe. Calcium intake is key for bone health.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Bone Health
- Public Health Epidemiology
Context:
- Croatia lacks a dedicated disease registry for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.
- Reported cases of osteoporosis and fractures have increased over the past decade.
Purpose:
- To highlight the epidemiological status of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in Croatia.
- To identify key risk factors and demographic trends associated with these conditions.
Summary:
- Osteoporosis prevalence in Croatia mirrors European levels, but osteoporotic fracture incidence is higher.
- An estimated 90,000 men and 77,000 women over 50 have vertebral fractures.
- Ultrasound densitometry reveals significant osteoporosis diagnosis in men (16.2%), with prevalence increasing in older individuals and women.
- Inadequate calcium intake is identified as a primary risk factor for bone density maintenance.
Impact:
- Underscores the need for improved osteoporosis and fracture surveillance in Croatia.
- Informs public health strategies and clinical practice regarding bone health and fracture prevention.
- Highlights the critical role of calcium in bone metabolism and the potential for targeted interventions.
Abstract:
There is no disease registry for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in Croatia. According to the annual report of registered diseases, the number of patients with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures increased during the last 10 years. In 2004, 0.70% of all registered diseases in Croatia referred to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Epidemiological data show that the prevalence of osteoporosis in Croatia is similar to other European countries, while the prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures is somewhat higher. It is estimated that 90 000 men and 77 000 women in Croatia older than 50 years have vertebral fractures. The prevalence is more frequent in older age and in women, although the great number of men (16.2%) were diagnosed as having osteoporosis using ultrasound densitometry. Calcium intake is found to be a dominant risk factor for building-up and maintenance of bone density.
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