Common characteristics among patients with secondary osteoporosis in Oman: A retrospective descriptive...

Secondary osteoporosis is common but remains understudied in various contexts. In Oman, public awareness of osteoporosis and its risk factors is low, and to date, few studies have specifically addressed secondary osteoporosis, despite its implications for healthcare costs, quality of life, health promotion, and well-being.

To identify the common characteristics of patients with secondary osteoporosis in Oman to guide patient education and interventions for health promotion.

This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed data of patients diagnosed with secondary osteoporosis at a national referral center in Oman in February 2025. In a database of 500 patients, 112 eligible cases were included, and all met the inclusion criteria. The extracted data included demographic and lifestyle factors, laboratory results, and medical history pertinent to osteoporosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The mean age was 39.44 ± 7.50 years, and many participants reported regular physical activity and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (17%), chronic kidney disease (14.3%), diabetes mellitus (13.4%), inflammatory bowel diseases (8.9%), and cancer (8%), among others. The commonly taken medications linked to osteoporosis were proton pump inhibitors (41%), glucocorticoids (35.7%), and thyroid hormones (12.5%). After the diagnosis of secondary osteoporosis, patients had a recorded diagnosis of chronic pain (75%), fractures (26.8%), and depression (17%). Follow-up bone mass density testing indicated low lumbar, hip, and femoral z-scores in patients with a history of cancer, chemotherapy, smokers, and thyroid hormone therapy.

Chronic diseases were common among patients with secondary osteoporosis. Thus, patients with non-communicable diseases need comprehensive risk assessment, routine screening, and health promotion to enhance bone health maintenance. Nurses can play a critical role in providing patient education and guidance to promote bone health.