The Vietnam Osteoporosis Study: Rationale and design

Area of Science:

• Bone health and osteoporosis research
• Public health in developing countries
• Chronic disease epidemiology

Background:

• Osteoporosis and fractures represent a substantial healthcare challenge globally, particularly in developing nations.
• The Vietnam Osteoporosis Study (VOS) was initiated to investigate the prevalence and impact of osteoporosis and related conditions in Vietnam.
• Understanding these burdens is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and its comorbidities in the Vietnamese population.
• To investigate the relationship between bone health, body composition, and chronic diseases.
• To lay the groundwork for future genetic and genomic research into bone health.

Main Methods:

• A population-based family study recruited 4157 individuals from 817 families in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• Bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and bone structure were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).
• Blood samples were collected for analysis of glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, bone turnover markers, and DNA extraction.

Main Results:

• The study included 4157 participants, with an average age of 51; 45% were 50 or older.
• Diabetes prevalence was 11% in those aged 40+, and 11% were obese or overweight.
• Osteoporosis (femoral neck BMD T-score ≤ -2.5) was present in 14% of women and 5% of men aged 50+.

Conclusions:

• The Vietnam Osteoporosis Study provides a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis burden and associated chronic diseases in Vietnam.
• Findings highlight the significant public health impact of osteoporosis and comorbidities in this population.
• The study establishes a valuable resource for future research on bone health and its determinants worldwide.