Determining The Prevalence of Low Bone Health Conditions and Related Factors Using Multisite Quantitative Ultrasound Technique in Young Indian Women: An Epidemiological Community Based Study

Abstract Background:Premenopausal osteoporosis is a condition where increased bone loss is seen in young women. Dietary Nutrition, lack of physical activity and other factors related to women health can be related to this condition. Objective:The main objective of the study was to find the prevalence and related risk factors of low bone health conditions in Indian women aged 20-40 years. Methodology: 1176 women were enrolled from Amritsar. Women were divided in three categories. Dietary nutrition was assessed using 24-hour dietary questionnaire and Bone health status was measured using a multisite quantitative ultrasound bone densitometer by Omnisense targeted over two sites radius and tibia. Results: The crude prevalence of z score (<-2.0 and ≥-3.0) and z score below -3.0 was 22.6% and 8.1% respectively. Adjusted regression model showed presence of hypothyroid, >3 pregnancies, late menarche, high perceived stress, low socio-economic status, low sun exposure and low intake of calcium as significant risk factors of low bone health condition. Conclusion:This study strongly recommends the need to educate the prevalence and presence of poor bone health in young women by health care providers and disseminate effective preventive measures at a larger scale among both rural and urban communities.