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Bone mineral density in an urban and a rural children population-A comparative, population-based study in Enugu

Uloma B Nwogu1, Kenneth K Agwu1, Angel-Mary C Anakwue1

  • 1Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.

Bone
|June 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Nigerian urban children have higher bone mineral density than rural children. This highlights the need to maximize peak bone mass in all children for long-term bone health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Osteoporosis is a growing concern linked to urbanization, with childhood bone development being crucial for preventing future fractures.
  • Existing research indicates urban-rural disparities in osteoporosis fracture incidence, but urban-rural differences in bone mineral density (BMD) among Nigerian children remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate urban-rural differences in estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) among Nigerian children.
  • To explore the association of eBMD with physical activity, demographic, and anthropometric variables in urban and rural Nigerian children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in Enugu, Nigeria, involving 457 urban and 559 rural children aged 6-14 years.
  • Estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) was measured at the calcaneum using quantitative ultrasound (QUS).
  • Data on height, weight, and physical activity were collected, and statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression models.

Main Results:

  • Urban children exhibited significantly higher mean eBMD (0.52 g/cm²) compared to their rural counterparts (0.51 g/cm²).
  • In urban children, age and weight were significant predictors of eBMD, while in rural children, only age was a significant predictor.
  • Physical activity patterns showed no significant relationship with eBMD in either urban or rural children.

Conclusions:

  • Rural Nigerian children have lower eBMD than their urban, age- and gender-matched peers.
  • These findings underscore potential urban-rural disparities in bone health during childhood in Nigeria, necessitating further investigation into contributing factors beyond physical activity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bone mineral densityChildrenNigeriaQuantitative ultrasoundRuralUrban

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