Influence of education, marital status, occupation, and the place of living on skeletal status, fracture prevalence, and the course and effectiveness of osteoporotic therapy in women in the RAC-OST-POL Study

Impaired Functional Status Increases Fracture Incidence in 10-year Follow-Up: The Results from RAC-OST-POL Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of study was to establish the influence of baseline functional status on fracture incidence.

METHODOLOGY

In a prospective 10-years observation in epidemiological sample of postmenopausal women from RAC-OST-POL Study a thesis that affected functional status enhance fracture incidence was verified. At baseline, data were collected in 978 women at mean age 66.48±7.6 years and after 10 years of follow-up 640 subjects at mean age 75.04±6.95 years remained in the study. Functional status at baseline was established using Stand up and Go test (SAG) and Activity of Daily Living (IADL). Afterwards, annually data on fracture incidence were collected by phone interviews.

RESULTS

In the period of observation 190 low-energy fractures in 129 women were noted. The whole group was divided into subgroups: without fracture (n=511), with one fracture (n=91) and those ones who had more than one fracture (n=38). In fractured and unfractured subgroup mean SAG results were 11.36±4.28 and 10.36±2.76, respectively and differed significantly (p<0.01). With increasing number of fractures the SAG time was longer - it was 11.15±4.49 in one fracture subgroup and 11.87±3.73 in multiple fractures subgroup, with both values significantly higher than in no fracture subjects. The mean value of IADL was 23.56±1.60. In 576 (90%) women IADL reached maximal value of 24 points. In the rest of them (n=64) IADL score was between 11 and 23 points. Mean value of IADL in fractured and unfractured subgroup were 23.27±1.97 and 23.64±1.47, respectively and differed significantly (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The measures of functional status predict fractures in a prospective observation of representative epidemiological female sample.

Socio-economic inequalities in fragility fracture incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 61 observational studies

Individuals with low socio-economic status (SES) have a more than 25% higher risk of fragility fractures than individuals with high SES. Body mass index and lifestyle appear to mediate the effect of SES on fracture risk. Strategies to prevent fractures should aim to reduce unhealthy behaviours through tackling structural inequalities.

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of socio-economic status (SES) on fragility fracture risk.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to 28 April 2021 for studies reporting an association between SES and fragility fracture risk among individuals aged ≥50 years. Risk ratios (RR) were combined in meta-analyses using random restricted maximum likelihood models, for individual-based (education, income, occupation, cohabitation) and area-based (Index of Multiple Deprivation, area income) SES measures.

RESULTS

A total of 61 studies from 26 different countries including more than 19 million individuals were included. Individual-based low SES was associated with an increased risk of fragility fracture (RR 1.27 [95% CI 1.12, 1.44]), whilst no clear association was seen when area-based measures were used (RR 1.08 [0.91, 1.30]). The strength of associations was influenced by the type and number of covariates included in statistical models: RR 2.69 [1.60, 4.53] for individual-based studies adjusting for age, sex and BMI, compared with RR 1.06 [0.92, 1.22] when also adjusted for health behaviours (smoking, alcohol, and physical activity). Overall, the quality of the evidence was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that low SES, measured at the individual level, is a risk factor for fragility fracture. Low BMI and unhealthy behaviours are important mediators of the effect of SES on fracture risk. Strategies to prevent fractures and reduce unhealthy behaviours should aim to tackle structural inequalities in society thereby reducing health inequalities in fragility fracture incidence.

Estimation of Prevalence of Osteoporosis Using OSTA and Its Correlation with Sociodemographic Factors, Disability and Comorbidities

Osteoporosis is a growing concern for an aging society. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of older adults who were at risk of osteoporosis and explore factors associated with osteoporosis. The relationship between the risk of osteoporosis, chronic conditions and disability was also explored. We hypothesized that respondents with high risk index of osteoporosis would be associated with greater disability. Participants aged 60 years and above (N = 2565) who were representative of Singapore’s multiethnic population were recruited. The Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) was used to classify the risk of osteoporosis. Information on sociodemographic details and chronic diseases were collected, while severity of disability was measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. The overall prevalence of the respondents who were at risk of osteoporosis was 52%. Those belonging to an older age, Chinese, female, never married or widowed, lower education and retired were associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis. A diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension was a protective factor against the risk of osteoporosis. High risk of osteoporosis was not associated with disability. Our findings highlighted specific factors associated with the risk of osteoporosis that could be useful for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures.

Status of bone health and association of socio-demographic characteristics with Bone Mineral Density in Pakistani Females

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

The "silent thief" of bone osteoporosis is associated with various modifiable factors, identifying these factors is important in decreasing the prevalence of this highly prevalent disease. Therefore, this study was planned to identify these risk factors for osteoporosis in premenopausal and postmenopausal Pakistani women.

METHODS

A total of 1205 pre and postmenopausal females between the ages of 20 to 80 years were selected. Detailed history about the socio-demographic characteristics including age, education, profession, marital and resident status was recorded. Medical and gynecological history was also taken after informed consent Bone health of females was assessed using calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometer. SPSS 22.0 was used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that age (30-39 yrs, and 60-69 yrs), occupation (housewives) and education (secondary and primary education, illiterate) were significantly associated with low bone mass density (LBMD). Multivariate analysis showed that age 30-39 years (OR=0.25 95%CI 0.13 - 0.49), age 40-49 years (OR=0.30 95%CI 0.15 - 0.59), age 50-59 years (OR=0.42 95%CI 0.22 - 0.79), primary education (OR=3.83, 95%CI 2.30 - 6.38) and illiteracy (OR=3.83 95%CI 2.52 - 5.82), were significantly associated with LBMD. The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 29.8%, 27.2%, respectively, while 43% subjects had normal BMD.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that, within Pakistani population, the prevalence of osteopenia is high even at an early age group and the odds of having LBMD are more in less educated or illiterate women.

Risk Factors for Fractures Identified in the Algorithm Developed in 5-Year Follow-Up of Postmenopausal Women From RAC-OST-POL Study

The aim of the study was to establish factors with an impact on fracture risk and to develop an algorithm to predict osteoporotic fracture. A total of 978 postmenopausal women from the epidemiological, population-based RAC-OST-POL study with a mean age of 65.7 ± 7.3 years were enrolled. At baseline, bone mineral density at hip and clinical risk factors for fracture were collected. Afterward, each person was asked annually on fracture incidence in the 5-year follow-up. Finally, data for complete 5-year observation were gathered for the group of 802 patients. During the follow-up, 92 osteoporotic fractures occurred in 78 women. The most common fracture site was the forearm (n = 45). The following baseline factors were found as significant for fracture incidence: femoral neck bone mineral density, prior fractures, steroid use, falls within previous 12 months, and height. Fracture risk was predicted by the following formula: Riskoffractureincidence=11+e^{-(-9.899+1.077∗STEROIDS+0.681∗PRIORFALLS+0.611∗PRIORFRACTURES-0.483∗FNTscore+0.042∗HEIGHT)}. In our current longitudinal study, an algorithm predicting fracture occurrence over a period of 5 years was developed. It may find application in daily medical practice.

PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES AT A TERTIARY ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA CENTER

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the profile of patients with osteoporotic fractures treated at a tertiary orthopedic hospital.

METHODS

Using questionnaires, 70 patients with osteoporotic fractures (OF) were compared with 50 outpatients with multiple osteoarthritis (OA) followed through an outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

The OF group was older (p <0.001), less heavy (p=0.003), had lower BMI (p=0.006), was more likely to be white (p=0.011), was less likely to be married (p=0.008), and had previous falls, previous fractures, old fractures (>1 year), falls in the last 12 months, fractures due to falls, and needed more assistance (p<0.05). They also had lower Lawton & Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores (p <0.05) and reported less lower limb disability, foot pathology, muscle weakness, hypothyroidism, and vitamin D intake than patients in the OA group. White race, previous falls, and previous fractures increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures by 10.5, 11.4, and 4.1 times, respectively. The chance of fracture dropped 29% for each one-unit increase in Lawton & Brody IADL score. Married participants had fewer fractures than participants with other marital status.

CONCLUSION

Together, race, marital status, previous falls, foot pathologies, previous fractures, and IADL scores define the profile of patients with osteoporotic fractures. Level of Evidence III; Case control study.

The Relationship of Knowledge of Osteoporosis and Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women in Silesia Osteo Active Study

The Silesia Osteo Active Study was designed to assess osteoporosis-related knowledge and its relationships with skeletal status in an epidemiological population-based program. Participants were chosen randomly from postmenopausal women over 55 yr. The study group consisted of 388 patients (mean age 65 ± 7). All participants fulfilled medical and socioeconomic questionnaires and test concerning osteoporosis-related knowledge. They underwent proximal femur and lumbar spine densitometry. The mean level of osteoporosis knowledge was 7.3 ± 2.0 for 10 questions. Osteoporosis knowledge seems to have no influence on densitometry results in the population; nevertheless it improves femoral neck (FN) density in those without prior personal experience of osteoporosis (r = 0.15; p < 0.05). Higher knowledge of osteoporosis was connected with osteoporosis in family, hormone replacement therapy or smoking history, and higher educational degree. The level of knowledge was significantly better in younger than in older participants (7.4 vs 6.7; p < 0.01). Osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5) was established in 6.4%, 2%, and 33% for FN, total hip, and spine, respectively. As a conclusion, current study revealed a positive influence of the knowledge of osteoporosis on FN density in postmenopausal women without prior personal experience of the disease.

Relationship between visual status and functional status and the risk of falls in women. The RAC-OST-POL study

INTRODUCTION

Falls in elderly women producing fractures are a public health problem that could be largely preventable. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of visual impairment on functional status, falls and fractures in women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 623 women aged ≥ 55 years in order to assess the association between visual status and functional status and the risk of falls and fractures. Distance, near visual acuity, and depth perception were examined. Functional status was assessed using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. The history of falls in the last 12 months and prior osteoporotic fractures were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 66.01 ±7.76 years. Distance visual acuity was correlated (r = -0.13, p < 0.0001) with an increased number of falls. The most prognostic fall factor was IADL (Z = 3.19, p < 0.05), which showed a significant association with distance acuity (r = 0.27, p < 0.0001). The TUG test time significantly increased with diminishing visual acuity: 10.6 ±3.1 s for good, 12.8 ±6.1 s for moderate and 15.3 ±8.8 s for poor visual acuity (p < 0.0001, ANOVA 24.4). The IADL also differs significantly (p < 0.0001) in subgroups divided according to visual acuity (23.6 ±1.5, 22.6 ±2.9, 21.2 ±4.8 points, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression on probability of falls including IADL, TUG and visual acuity, IADL was found to be an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.025). The data revealed no association of refractive correction, depth perception, or near visual acuity with fall incidence or history of fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Visual acuity influences functional status and number of falls in women aged over 55 years.

High fracture probability predicts fractures in a 4-year follow-up in women from the RAC-OST-POL study

In 770 postmenopausal women, the fracture incidence during a 4-year follow-up was analyzed in relation to the fracture probability (FRAX risk assessment tool) and risk (Garvan risk calculator) predicted at baseline. Incident fractures occurred in 62 subjects with a higher prevalence in high-risk subgroups. Prior fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck T-score and falls increased independent of fracture incidence.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of fractures during a 4-year follow-up in relation to the baseline fracture probability and risk.

METHODS

Enrolled in the study were 770 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 65.7 ± 7.3 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur, clinical data, and fracture probability using the FRAX tool and risk using the Garvan calculator were determined. Each subject was asked yearly by phone call about the incidence of fracture during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Of the 770 women, 62 had a fracture during follow-up, and 46 had a major fracture. At baseline, BMD was significantly lower, and fracture probability and fracture risk were significantly higher in women who had a fracture. Among women with a major fracture, the percentage with a high baseline fracture probability (>10 %) was significantly higher than among those without a fracture (p < 0.01). Fracture incidence during follow-up was significantly higher among women with a high baseline fracture probability (12.7 % vs. 5.2 %) and a high fracture risk (9.2 vs. 5.3 %) so that the "fracture-free survival" curves were significantly different (p < 0.05). The number of clinical risk factors noted at baseline was significantly associated with fracture incidence (chi-squared = 20.82, p < 0.01). Prior fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, and femoral neck T-score were identified as significant risk factors for major fractures (for any fractures, the influence of falls was also significant).

CONCLUSIONS

During follow-up, fracture incidence was predicted by baseline fracture probability (FRAX risk assessment tool) and risk (Garvan risk calculator). A number of clinical risk factors and a prior fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck T-score, and falls were independently associated with an increased incidence of fractures. [Corrected]

Factors affecting bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to determine the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and demographic, biochemical, and clinical features according to BMD measurement sites. The results indicated that BMD correlates negatively with menopause duration, parity, and history of fractures but positively correlates with obesity, physical activity, education, and serum ferritin.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis (OP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly people. The impacts of various factors on bone mineral density (BMD) differ across diverse population. We hypothesized that the influences of factors which affect BMD vary according to BMD measurement sites. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between BMD in the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) with some common clinical, demographic, and biochemical parameters in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional case-control study, all postmenopausal women of the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP) who performed bone densitometry were included. BMD at FN and LS was measured by DXA method. Data regarding clinical, demographic, and biochemical characteristics were provided. OP was diagnosed by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry criteria. Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses with simultaneous adjustment were performed to determine relationship.

RESULTS

Five hundred thirty-seven women with mean age of 67.9 ± 6.7 years and mean menopause duration (MD) of 15.8 ± 5.1 years were studied. MD correlated negatively with FN-BMD and LS-BMD g/cm(2) (r = -0.405, p = 0.001 and r = -0.217, p = 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) correlated positively with FN and LS-BMD g/cm(2) (r = 0.397, p = 0.001 and r = 0.311, p = 0.001). The association of MD with risk of FN-OP was stronger than LS-OP. Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) and higher serum ferritin reduced the risk of OP at both LS and FN similarly, whereas the impacts of parity, prior fracture, high level of education, and physical activity were significantly different across BMD measurement sites.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicated a significant association between OP and MD, obesity, parity, MS, history of fracture, serum ferritin, level of education, and physical activity. However, the direction and the strength of association varied across BMD measurement sites.