Unveiling a Hidden Health Crisis: Frequency of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in the adult Population of Pakistan

Objective:To evaluate the frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia among young adults in Faisalabad and Sargodha, Pakistan. Through this study, we also tried to assess the risk factors and harmful contributors to osteoporosis and osteopenia in young adults to reveal any novel implications that have been missed until now. Methodology:After ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted at Rai Medical College, Sargodha, recruiting 382 adults (age 18 years and above) from Faisalabad and Sargodha between August and September 2023, using non-probability convenience sampling. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using a SONOST 3000 calcaneal quantitative ultrasound device (measuring BUA and SOS), and participants were classified according to WHO-adapted T-score criteria as normal, osteopenia (T score greater than -2.5 and less than or equal to -1.0), and osteoporosis (T score less than or equal to -2.5). Results:Normal BMD was observed in 76.7 percent (n=293) of participants, osteopenia in 16.2 percent (n=62), and osteoporosis in 7.1 percent (n=27). A strong age-related increase was evident (p value less than 0.001); participants over 60 years had 34.5 percent osteopenia and 22.4 percent osteoporosis, accounting for 26 of the 27 osteoporosis cases. Gender analysis showed that 13.9 percent of women were osteoporotic, with all osteoporosis cases occurring in females. Conclusion:Females aged 50 years and above in Punjab exhibit the highest burden of low bone density, driven by aging, sedentary behaviour, malnutrition, and socioeconomic factors. Implementing early, affordable QUS screening and gender-focused public health interventions is essential to reduce future fracture risk in Pakistan.