Prevalence and associated risk factors for osteoporosis in Korean men

Osteoporosis has become an important health concern even in men. We aimed to analyze its prevalence and associated factors in Korean men. Low socioeconomic status, unhealthy lifestyle, and chronic kidney disease increased the risk. High-risk men even at young age need to evaluate bone mineral density, and proper interventions should be reinforced.

Owing to an increase in the elderly population, osteoporosis and consequent fractures have become important health concerns even in men. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of osteoporosis in Korean men and identify risk factors associated with male osteoporosis.

The study included 6104 men aged ≥ 30 years and who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry between 2008 and 2011 in Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. Sociodemographic status, lifestyle factors, and body composition were measured. We defined osteoporosis according to the WHO criteria using a T score of - 2.5 or less in men aged ≥ 50 years and a Z score of - 2.0 or less in men aged < 50 years. We analyzed the prevalence of osteoporosis and conducted multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the associated risk factors.

Overall, 5.0% of all participants and 17.7% of participants aged ≥ 70 years had osteoporosis and showed rapid progression from the age of 60 years. Risk factors for osteoporosis in Korean men were old age, lower education status, lower household income, lack of physical activity, insufficient calcium intake, chronic kidney disease, underweight, insufficient nutrition, and sarcopenia. Additionally, young men aged 30-49 years with a history of cancer were at an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Low socioeconomic status, unhealthy lifestyle, insufficient nutrition, and chronic kidney disease increased the risk of osteoporosis in Korean men. Men who have the abovementioned risk factors even at a young age need to undergo bone mineral density evaluation, and proper interventions should be reinforced to prevent and manage osteoporosis.