A community-based study of osteoporosis-related information in Chinese female residents aged 40 years and older

Purpose: Osteoporosis is one of the major chronic diseases in China. This study of osteoporosis-related information was conducted to survey the extent of osteoporosis knowledge among female residents aged 40 years and older in the urban areas of Beijing, China. Methods: This is a large scale community-based, cross-sectional study. A self-report questionnaire was used to measure osteoporosis knowledge of residents in eight districts in Beijing. A dual-energy X-ray bone mineral density (BMD) measurement for each respondent was conducted at the same time. Results: A total of 3,830 residents participated and provided their data for the analysis performed in this study. The average age was 61.52 +/- 8.62 yrs. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis was 15.20%, while it was only 2.29% among the residents in the group of 40-50 years old. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and a previous history of fractures were risk factors for osteoporosis; BMI and late menopause were protective factors. Of the entire surveyed population, only 6.84% had received anti-osteoporosis medication and five people had received hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Calcium and vitamin D supplements were positively correlated with a previous fracture. Of the surveyed population, 10.34% has suffered from fractures but only 8.8% of the total had undergone BMD tests. Of the participants with fractures, 23.1% took anti-osteoporosis drugs. Fractures have a positive correlation with age and previous BMD tests, but a negative correlation with the T-score of the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis increases with age. However, few people underwent BMD measurement or accept HRT and anti-osteoporosis medication, even for those who had a fracture history. This study suggests that bone health education programs should be implemented among Chinese residents as well as clinicians.