Assessment Of Osteoporosis Incidence In Healthcare Professionals At A Tertiary Healthcare Facility In India
Keywords:
Bone density, Quantitative ultrasonography of the calcaneus, Low bone mass, Brittle bone disease.Abstract
Background: Osteoporosis, often overlooked and underdiagnosed, is a condition marked by diminished bone density, increasing the vulnerability to fractures. Despite the expanding recognition of this ailment and its associated complications, routine osteoporosis screening is not standard practice. Incorporating regular screening can facilitate early identification and intervention.
Materials and Methods: The aim of this investigation was to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of healthcare professionals, specifically doctors and nurses, employing a calcaneal ultrasound heel bone densitometer. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital, encompassing a total of 863 participants. BMD was determined through calcaneal quantitative ultrasonography, and T-scores were subsequently computed.
Results: In our study, the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was comparable between men and women. Notably, nearly 50% of staff nurses exhibited T-scores below the normal range. Surprisingly, contrary to common assumptions, the occurrence of osteoporosis among doctors was higher in males than in females. In conclusion, this study underscores that healthcare professionals face a similar risk of osteoporosis as the general population, emphasizing the need for routine screening and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of osteoporosis and its associated complications.
