Nationwide assessment of bone mineral density: A comprehensive cross-sectional bone-fit study in the Indian population

• Author Details:   
• Gurunath Chavan
• Kamlesh Patel
• Gajanan Panchal ^*

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Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis, posing health risks. The study aims to assess the prevalence of these conditions across India and their age and sex variations.

Materials and Methods: Data on the age, sex, state/zone, and BMD of apparently healthy adults (≥18 years) were retrospectively collected from screening camps (across India) between May 2023 to December 2023. The BMD of the participants was measured through ultrasonography of the calcaneus bone on the heel. They were classified as having a normal BMD (>-1 SD), osteopenia (-1 to -2.5 SD), or osteoporosis (<-2.5 SD).

Results: Overall prevalence of osteopenia was higher than that of osteoporosis (45.62% and 11.51%, respectively). Among young adults (18-49 years), osteopenia affected 43.91% of women and 42.17% of men. Similarly, among postmenopausal women, the prevalence of osteopenia was higher than that of osteoporosis (49.05% and 22.67%, respectively). Across all regions, middle-aged adults in the West showed the highest osteopenia prevalence (52.66% vs. 48.53% East vs. 50.39% North vs. 46.99% South). Among the elderly, osteoporosis prevalence was highest in the East (33.56%), while in young adults, osteopenia was more prevalent in the West (45.96%).

Conclusion: Approximately half the population was affected by osteopenia, while one in 10 individuals had osteoporosis, indicating the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies focusing on middle-aged adults and post-menopausal women and raising awareness among the young population are crucial