Role of Nutritional Status in the Prevalence of Osteoporosis among Postmenopausal Women

Author: Umera Baba and Sumera

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Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disorder characterised by the loss of bone density and modification in bone structure. These changes increase bone fragility and risk of fracture particularly among postmenopausal women. Certain challenges were faced during this study, particularly while data collection in opd of the government hospital. Owing to a lack of knowledge among respondents, it was a challenging task to gain the desired information from them. This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between nutrient intake and the risk of distress from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis. A case-control study was intended to determine nutrient intake as well as lifestyle patterns. The study sample consisted of 380 postmenopausal women above the age of 45 years. Based on the diagnosis, the overall sample was divided into a study (osteoporotic) and a control group (non-osteoporotic). Thus, the study group comprised 260 respondents whereas the control group comprised 120 respondents. The results reveal that physical activity has a significant impact (p<0.001) on osteoporosis among post-menopausal women. In terms of BMI, an increase in body weight may be related to post-menopausal osteoporosis although differences were insignificant. The intake of protein and calcium in post-menopausal osteoporotic women was more deficient than RDA for this group.

Keywords

BMI, RDA, osteoporosis, post-menopausal

Conclusion

Based on the present study findings from postmenopausal osteoporotic women of the Kashmir region and subsequent analysis it can be inferred that postmenopausal osteoporosis remains a disease mainly of women in the 45-55 years age group. Contributing factors like low physical activity, early menopause and use of certain medications for conditions of cardiac ailments, diabetes and gastric acidity plays an important role in the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It can therefore be concluded that not just attention by medical doctors is simply going to help such women but a comprehensive approach taking a holistic view of the health problem with support from other areas like nutritionists, social scientists, psychologists and educationists will go a long way in alienating the disease and its impact.

References

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How to cite this article

Umera Baba and Sumera (2023). Role of Nutritional Status in the Prevalence of Osteoporosis among Postmenopausal Women. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 412-417.