Prevalence and Associated Factors of Osteoporosis Among People With Hypertension in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Osteoporosis (OP) and hypertension (HTN) are prevalent conditions impacting elderly health. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with OP among people with HTN in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia (2023). Material and method A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. Adults aged 50-79 diagnosed with HTN were recruited from those referred for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans using a systematic random sampling method. The participants' electronic health records were reviewed and all participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect data not available in the electronic health records related to demographics, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the associations between OP and clinical parameters. Results A total of 255 participants were recruited, with 115 (45.1%) having normal bone density, 97 (38%) having osteopenia, and 43 (16.9%) having OP. Females 167 (65.5%) were higher than males 88 (34.5%). The average age of all the respondents was 66.2 ± 7.96 years, and their average body mass index (BMI) was 22.2 ± 15.1. The age in years (mean ± SD) of participants with OP 68.04 ± 7.60 was higher compared to normal 64.9 ± 7.46 (p-value = 0.03). Factors that appear to increase the risk of OP in multivariable logistic regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) include increased age (OR: 1.17, CI: 0.9-1.2, p-value = 0.048), and parathyroid gland disorder comorbidity (OR: 15.1, CI: 0.7-32, p-value = 0.03), while some factors that reduce the risk of developing OP include increased BMI (OR: 0.9, CI: 0.91-1.03, p-value = 0.03), literate individuals (OR: 0.1, CI: 0.01-1.4, p-value = 0.046), and taking beta-blockers (BB) treatment (OR: 0.23, CI: 0.01-1.3, p-value = 0.02) reduced odds of developing OP according to results. Conclusion The OP is notably present among people with HTN, especially older people, and parathyroid gland disorders. Higher BMI levels, along with the use of BB, help to decrease it. Additionally, any level of education above illiteracy is associated with a lower prevalence of OP, suggesting that education may have a protective effect against OP in HTN patients. We recommend further research on OP risk factors in HTN Saudi patients. Future research should focus on assessing the impact of educational levels and socioeconomic factors on OP prevalence and investigating the association between specific comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus (DM) and parathyroid gland disorders) and OP risk in HTN individuals. Collaborate with public health authorities and organizations to integrate OP screening into routine HTN patient care protocols.