ABSTRACT
Background:
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem among Indian women, often being underdiagnosed until the occurrence of fractures. Socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of osteoporosis may be identified for early detection and prevention.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 150 Indian women, aged 30–60 years, were selected for this study. Socio-demographic and lifestyle data were analyzed using a regression model to predict the risk of osteoporosis. Age, education, income, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and dietary calcium intake were assessed as predictors of osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the outcome variable.
Results:
Advanced age (OR = 2.3, P < 0.01), low BMI (<18.5 kg/m²) (OR = 3.8, P < 0.01), and low dietary calcium intake (<500 mg/day) (OR = 2.7, P < 0.05) were significant predictors of osteoporosis. Socio-economic factors are also linked to education level and income, which contributed to risk stratification.
Conclusion:
The regression model identifies a few important socio-demographic factors that determine risk factors for osteoporosis in Indian women. These findings thus emphasize targeted awareness programs and preventive interventions to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in at-risk groups.
KEYWORDS: Bone mineral density, Indian women, osteoporosis, regression model, risk prediction, socio-demographic factors
INTRODUCTION
Osteoporosis is a widespread skeletal disorder characterized by loss of bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, leading to a significant increase in fractures. It is an important health issue among Indian women, primarily because cases are often underdiagnosed and interventions occur much later after fractures have occurred.[1] Nutritional deficiencies, sedentary lifestyles, and socio-economic status increase its prevalence. Age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity levels, and dietary calcium intake are essential factors that determine bone health in an individual; older women and those with a lower BMI are at a higher risk.[2] Though diagnostic techniques such as DXA have flourished, their access is still limited in resource-poor environments. Socio-demographic risk factors that affect osteoporosis risk can be applied to predict models for early detection.[3] This study uses a regression model to assess the relationship between socio-demographic variables and osteoporosis risk among Indian women. By focusing on modifiable risk factors, the findings aim to guide community-level interventions to prevent osteoporosis and associated complications.[4]
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It is a cross-sectional study conducted on 150 Indian women in the age group of 30–60 years. Socio-demographic and lifestyle data were collected through structured interviews, including age, BMI, education, income, physical activity, and calcium intake. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and T-scores were categorized according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The predictors of osteoporosis were identified using multivariate logistic regression, and ORs with 95% CI were calculated. A P value of <0.05 was taken as significance. Ethical approval and consent to participate was obtained.
RESULTS
The study involved 150 respondents. Socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were examined as predictors of osteoporosis. These two tables together testify to the fact that socio-demographic and lifestyle factors play a significant role in osteoporosis risk. The results are presented in the following tables.
Table 1 summarizes the baseline characteristics of the study population, highlighting key socio-demographic variables.
Table 1.
Baseline Characteristics of Participants
| Parameter | Mean±SD or Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Age (Years) | 45.6±8.7 |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | 21.2±3.5 kg/m² |
| Low Calcium Intake (<500 mg/day) | 64% (96) |
| Sedentary Lifestyle | 55% (83) |
| Low Income (<₹20,000/month) | 58% (87) |
| No Formal Education | 42% (63) |
Table 2 shows the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia among the participants based on T-scores.
Table 2.
Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
| T-Score Category | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 36% (54) |
| Osteopenia | 42% (63) |
| Osteoporosis | 22% (33) |
Table 3 identifies significant socio-demographic predictors of osteoporosis from the regression analysis.
Table 3.
Socio-Demographic Predictors of Osteoporosis
| Predictor | Odds Ratio (OR) | 95% CI | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (>50 years) | 2.3 | 1.5–3.6 | <0.01* |
| BMI (<18.5 kg/m²) | 3.8 | 2.2–5.7 | <0.01* |
| Low Calcium Intake | 2.7 | 1.6–4.3 | <0.05* |
| Low Income | 1.8 | 1.1–3.0 | 0.03* |
Table 4 evaluates the distribution of BMD values based on age groups, showing a decline in bone health with advancing age.
Table 4.
BMD Distribution by Age Group
| Age Group (Years) | Mean BMD (g/cm²) |
|---|---|
| 30–40 | 1.2±0.1 |
| 41–50 | 1.0±0.2 |
| 51–60 | 0.8±0.2 |
Table 5 highlights physical activity levels and their association with BMD values, indicating that active participants had better bone health.
Table 5.
Physical Activity and BMD
| Physical Activity Level | Mean BMD (g/cm²) |
|---|---|
| Sedentary | 0.9±0.2 |
| Moderately Active | 1.1±0.2 |
| Highly Active | 1.2±0.1 |
DISCUSSION
This study throws light on some of the major socio-demographic and lifestyle factors that influence the risk of osteoporosis among Indian women. Advanced age, low BMI, poor dietary calcium intake, and low income were found to be some of the predictors of reduced BMD, consistent with global findings.[5] The high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia points to the urgent need for early identification and intervention. The BMD values of women having sedentary lifestyle were notably low, highlighting the protective role of physical activity in the preventive scenario of osteoporosis.[6] Inadequate calcium intake was reported in 64% of participants and thus underlines the demand for dietary improvements to reduce the risk associated with osteoporosis. A lack of access to health care and nutritional resources likely causes poor bone health outcomes concerning socioeconomic disparities such as low income and limited education.[7]
The results indicate a necessity for awareness programs at the community level to promote regular physical activity, diet improvement, and relatively inexpensive screening for early detection. Targeted interventions aimed at such high-risk populations can significantly reduce the burden of osteoporosis in resource-limited settings.
CONCLUSION
Advanced age, low BMI, poor calcium intake, and disparities in socioeconomic background are the principal predictors of osteoporosis identified in this research among Indian women. Early detection, dietary, and physical activities may reduce risk, especially within resource-poor settings. Focused interventions by targeting high-risk groups will result in better improvements in bone health and prevention from fractures.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Funding Statement
Nil.
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