Assessment of Osteoporosis Risk and Prevention Habits among the Urban Sri Lankan Elderly.

Samitha Jalathge, R H M Hansani Kavindi Bandara, Imasha Indeewari Thadallage, M D Ayodhya Iruprabha Karunaratne
Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to assess the osteoporosis risks, awareness and prevention habits among urban elderly populations in Sri Lanka.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted involving 270 participants aged 70 and above in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, where an online questionnaire displayed on a tablet computer was given to people over 70 years who presented to 3 local pharmacies for their regular prescriptions. The questionnaire included some demographics, Awareness of Osteoporosis and presence of risk factors for it. The Risk of Osteoporosis was calculated using the Bone fracture risk calculator of Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The cutoffs were taken as above 3% for neck of femur and above 20% for all fractures.

Results:

Upon conclusion of the study 232 valid responses were received. Out of them, 57.8% (134) were females. When calculating the BMI, 19% (53) had BMI over 30 kgm2 and 33% (77) had BMI between 25-30kgm2. 38.4% (89) of them have had at least one minimal trauma fracture since the age of 50 years. Over the last 12 months 63.8% (148) have had one or more falls. 12.9% (30) have had 3 or more falls. 28.4% (66) were not aware of what osteoporosis risk factors were. 41.4% (96) were on some sort of bone health supplement. 19% (53) were on a bisphosphonate for Osteoporosis. When asked about Bone Mineral Density test, 68.1% (158) have never undergone one. 31.9 (74) were recommended for treatment for Osteoporosis by the Bone fracture risk calculator of Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

Conclusion(s):

The urban Sri Lankan elderly seem to have a significant disease burden with Osteoporosis with quite low numbers having been screened as well. Their knowledge about the condition was below par as well.

Implications:

This study has identified a clear gap in care to prevent Osteoporosis. This has also identified some unmet needs to both prevent and treat Osteoporosis. Therefore this population deserves a targeted intervention  to address Osteoporosis. The researchers will direct the findings to the regional health authorities for this purpose.

Funding acknowledgements:
This research is an unfunded study, conducted without any financial support from any external sources or organizations.
Keywords:
Osteoporosis Risks
Prevention Habits
Urban Sri Lankan elders
Primary topic:
Older people
Second topic:
Health promotion and wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
Third topic:
Musculoskeletal
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
International Institute of Health Sciences Sri Lanka. Bioinquirer Ethics Review Committee Welisara, Sri Lanka.
Provide the ethics approval number:
BI_ERC_2024_22
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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