Evolution of Low Bone Mineral Density Impact on Older Adults in the Western Pacific: Socio-Demographic and Health Workforce Perspectives (1990–2021)

Chuanqiang Dai,1 Nan Wang,1 Youshu Zhang,1 Guifang Wu,2 Yao Zhang,1 Yao Dong1 1Department of Orthopedics, Ziyang Central Hospital, Ziyang, Sichuan, 641300, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, Ziyang Central Hospital, Ziyang, Sichuan, 641300, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Chuanqiang Dai, Email [email protected]: The Western Pacific Region is experiencing accelerated population aging, and diseases related to Low Bone Mineral Density (LBMD) have become a major public health challenge for the elderly population. Therefore, this study aims to assess the trends in the diseases burden of LBMD among the population aged 60 and above in the Western Pacific Region from 1990 to 2021, as well as its relationship with the human resources for health (HRH).Methods: Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and deaths data from Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 and HRH data from GBD 2019 were used. The trends in the burden were evaluated through percentage changes and the Estimated Annual Percentage Change. Decomposition analysis was employed to assess the contributing factors of the burden. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to quantify the correlations between the burden indicators, the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), and HRH.Results: From 1990 to 2021, the diseases burden of LBMD increased in most countries and regions in the Western Pacific Region. From the perspective of gender stratification, the disease burden of females is generally higher than that of males. From the perspective of age stratification, the age-standardized rates of DALYs and deaths both increase with increasing age. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between deaths and SDI (p< 0.05). More importantly, there has been a statistically significant negative correlation between deaths and Nursing and Midwifery from 1990 to 2021 (p< 0.05).Conclusion: The disease burden of LBMD in the Western Pacific Region remains a major public health issue. Strengthening the construction of HRH is conducive to reducing the burden related to LBMD.Plain Language Summary: Due to accelerated aging, low bone mineral density (LBMD) is a growing public health challenge in the Western Pacific. This study (1990– 2021) found rising LBMD burden, especially in China and among women, correlating with healthcare workforce shortages. Strengthening nursing/midwifery resources could help mitigate this burden, supporting healthier aging.Keywords: low bone mineral density, human resources for health, Western Pacific Region, aging, Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, disease burden