Epidemiological Study of Osteoporotic Hip Fractures: A Cross-Sectional Sample Based Study of Public Sector Hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan.

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a major public health problem characterized by progressive loss of bone density leading towards systematic skeleton disorder. The osteoporotic is associated with age and quality of life. There are several biological factors and life style factors which can contribute to increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Objective: The objective of this study is to observe those risk factors that contribute in development of osteoporosis and to determine those factors that are protective against osteoporosis.

Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used that include 297 subjects who undergo through hip fracture. The information was collected on a self-structured questionnaire from three public sector hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Descriptive and analytical section of analysis was performed. Classification of risk factors for osteoporotic status was given. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify the association of osteoporosis with various factors of socio- economic and clinical nature. Logistic regression model was applied using all potential social risk factors for osteoporosis. 

Results: The age of the subjects lies between 17-90 years.  About 56.9% of the subjects were female patients. Results indicate that 66.6% patients belong to the age group above 60 years showing that increased prevalence of osteoporosis among advance aged. Chronic liver disease was observed as most crucial clinical risk factor among those included in study that contributes in developing osteoporosis. The prevalence rate of osteoporosis in subjects with liver disease was 82.1%.

Conclusion:  Results are indicative that liver disease, diabetes, backache, malnutrition and humps are associated with developing osteoporosis. Age, gender and living areas also found to be contributed towards osteoporosis. Proper sun exposure to get vitamin D, maintained BMI, supplements of calcium and vitamin D and regular physical activity provide protection against developing osteoporosis. Smoking, drugs, caffeine beverages are the risk factors that enhance the probability of osteoporosis.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, hip fractures, risk factors, epidemiology.