Research Article

Prevalence and risk factors for osteoporosis in Iraqi patients whom referred to Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan unit at AL-Hassan AL-Mujtaba teaching hospital/Karbala-Iraq

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone metabolic disorder, has an insidious, silent course, first diagnosed when a fracture occurs, can cause disability and may reduce patient’s quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors that may predispose to osteoporosis. A cross-sectional study that was conducted at the Rheumatology Unit of Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, involving 80 Iraqi patients. Survey Questionnaire was administered thought interviews, bone density assessment conducted using DEXA of lumbar spine. According to T-scores DEXA results, patients were divided into 3 groups: normal bone density (T-score ≥ -1 SD), n=13, low bone density (T-score between -1 SD and -2.5 SD), n=37 and osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5 SD), n=30. Study showed that 16.25% of patients have normal BMD, 46.25% exhibit low BMD, while 37.50% have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Out of 80 patients, 71 (88.75%) were females and 9 (11.25%) were males. Most of the females (93.33%) had OP, (89.18%) had low BMD and (76.9%) had normal BMD. Therefore, osteoporosis can be seen in more than one third of those whom accidentally referred to DEXA, more common in females and its incidence increased with advancing age in both females and males with a mean age 10 years earlier in females than males especially in those with low estrogen (menopause and hysterectomy).