Analysis of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Associated Risk Factors: A Single Center Study

Due to its prevalence worldwide, osteoporosis is regarded as a significant public health issue. Numerous risk factors can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, leading to bone fractures. This study aimed to determine the association of parity, age, gender, origin, and pre-existing clinical conditions with low bone density of people residing in the Southeastern region of Bangladesh.

This retrospective study included a cohort of 628 individuals seeking bone mineral density (BMD) assessments using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Association of BMD with five contributing factors (age, gender, origin, parity of the female participants and pre-existing clinical conditions i.e., hypertension, diabetes) was studied.

This study included 84% female and 16% male participants. The mean BMD was found significantly lesser in older participants (aged >50 years) (P=.0.001)for both sites of lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN)). It also varied significantly in both skeletal sites, depending on the gender (P<0.001and P=0.027respectively). Rural participants were found with lower BMD than urban one (P<0.001and P=0.037respectively). BMDs of LS and FN were found to have significant negative correlations with age (-0.201 and -0.280) and parity (-0.317 and -0.236). Diabetic participants were found to have higher bone density in this study (P=0.002 and P<0.001) compared with the non-diabetic. Multivariate regression analysis also revealed statistically significant associations of BMD with gender (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), and origin (P=0.001) for the lumbar spine and with gender (P=0.002) and age (P<0.001) for the femoral neck. A significant decrease in mean BMD was also found in multiparous (parity ≥3) females compared to low parity (parity 1-2) and nulliparous (parity 0) females (P<0.001 and P=0.048 respectively for LS and FN).

A proactive approach to prevent osteoporosis in the study population involves a meticulous investigation of its etiological factors and addressing them precedently. Therefore, it is recommended to consider BMD as a routine test for prevention, early detection, and to minimize the sequelae of osteoporosis.