Study by the Deptt. suggests prevalence of osteoporosis at 18% among men & 25% among women in Chandigarh
City Darpan, Chandigarh, October 19: “In India, estimates suggest that almost 230 million women above 50 years of age suffer from osteoporosis. A door-to-door questionnaire-based community survey conducted by the Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER in 6 sectors in Chandigarh involving 4285 residents had revealed that 3.6% had self-reported fragility fractures. Similarly, another population-based survey conducted by the Department, entitled the Chandigarh Urban Bone Epidemiological Study (CUBES) had estimated that the prevalence of osteoporosis in Chandigarh was 18% and 25% in men and women, respectively,” stated Prof. Sanjay Bhadada. Head, Deptt. of Endocrinology, PGIMER while apprising about the magnitude and relevance of correct information regarding osteoporosis based on the Study conducted by the Deptt. of Endocrinology on the eve of World Osteoporosis Day here at PGIMER today.
“Despite the huge disease burden, the awareness of osteoporosis is low in India, with surveys indicating that only 10–15% of Indians are aware of the disease. Besides, only 20% of patients with osteoporosis are diagnosed and treated in India. Thus, the gap in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in India is ever increasing and needs to be bridged,” detailed Prof. Sanjay Bhadada.
Apprising about the initiatives being undertaken by the Deptt. of Endocrinology, Prof. Sanjay Bhadada further elaborated, “In an attempt to strengthen collaboration in the field of osteoporosis in the country, we have developed the county’s first national online osteoporosis registry, the Osteoporosis Registry of India (ORI) (opregistryindia.com) which will be managed by Dr. Rimesh Pal, Asst. Professor Dept. Of Endocrinology PGIMER. Physicians, endocrinologists, orthopaedicians and gynaecologists all over the country, looking after patients with osteoporosis can be a part of the ORI. This will ensure a large database of patients with osteoporosis which will help us to estimate the national burden of the disease and conduct and promote research in the field of osteoporosis.”
Prof. Sanjay Bhadada also threw light on the initiatives in the pipeline by the Department of Endocrinology as he shared, “We have planned to set up a specialized Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disorder Clinic (OPMBD Clinic), which will also be a first of its kind initiative in the country. It will be held on the first Tuesday of every month starting from November 2, 2021 at the New OPD of PGIMER. This will ensure a dedicated and comprehensive care of patients with osteoporosis in terms of diagnosis, treatment and ensuring regular follow-up.”
“Every year, 20th October is celebrated as the World Osteoporosis Day in an attempt to increase awareness about this less known disease. Osteoporosis is a major public health problem worldwide and in India. Nearly 30% of all postmenopausal women have osteoporosis. In simple terms, osteoporosis means weak bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of low trauma fractures, notably, hip, radius and spine fractures. Of note, hip fractures portend a poor prognosis with 5-year survival comparable to certain malignancies like breast and thyroid cancers”, shared Prof. Bhadada.