Bone Mineral Density in Women of Different Age Groups in Isfahan, Iran in 2013-2014

Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease in the elderly, but several studies have shown that prevalence of the disease in different age groups differ among each other which may be due to epidemiological characteristics, genetic, style of nutrition, physical activity, some of chronic diseases and consumption of corticosteroids. However, there is controversy regarding this issue. So, the aim of this study was to determine the bone density in different age groups of women in Isfahan, Iran in the years 2013-2014. This cross sectional study was done in Isfahan Osteoporosis Diagnostic Center (IODC) during 2013-2014. 2536 women suspected to have a low bone density who were referred to Isfahan Osteoporosis Diagnosis Center were scanned in the hip (femoral neck and trochanter) and vertebral column (L2-L4); bone density status was determined and compared in several age groups. Of the 2536 studied women, 1244 (49.1%) had normal bone density, 1084 (42.7%) had osteopenia and 208 (8.2%) had osteoporosis. No patient had osteoporosis in 30-39 or less than 30 years age groups. The prevalence of the disease in 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 years and older age groups was 1.2%, 7.3%, 16.2% and 26.5%, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis in various age groups had a significant difference (P < 0.001). Osteoporosis in various age groups had different prevalence rates and however other risk factors such as background diseases and physical activity may play a role; but, the age has been identified as a significant risk factor of this disease. Therefore, further studies are recommended, and it is suggested that regardless of age, patients at risk of osteoporosis should be referred for bone densitometry at least for one time.