Author(s): Srabani Bhattacharya, Ayesha Javed Hasan and Sundaram Kartikeyan

Abstract:
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on of 357 educated individuals (150 females: 42.02% & 207 males: 57.98%), based in Mumbai metropolitan region, using online questionnaire. Significantly more males (Z=2.078; p=0.037) took calcium supplements and self-reported exposure to sunlight for more than one hour per day was significantly (Z=3.094; p=0.002) higher for males. As compared to males, fewer females reported consumption of tobacco (Z=5.133; p<0.0001) and alcohol (Z=4.280; p<0.0001). Significant gender differences were observed in frequency of physical exercise (Z=2.612; p=0.009) and in preference for type of physical exercise: walking (Z=2.044; p=0.041) and strength exercises (Z=6.262; p<0.0001). Significantly more female respondents reported family history of osteoporosis (Z=3.085; p=0.002) and co-morbid conditions (Z=3.228; p=0.001). The gender differences in awareness of osteoporosis were not significant. Community-based studies are necessary for creating awareness about osteoporosis and bring about early interventions, such as, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and other lifestyle changes.

Pages: 161-164  |  681 Views  55 Downloads