Avaliação dos fatores de risco para osteoporose e prevalência do diagnóstico por densitometria óssea em um serviço público terciário

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is an common elderly disease resulting from decrease of bone mass, leading to low impact fractures, specially on femur neck, column and forearm, and associated comorbidities. Timely diagnosis, contextual understanding of risk factors, and evidence-based treatment are crucial for enhancing patients’ quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical profile of patients with confirmed or suspect of osteoporosis who were reffered to the Bone Densitometry Unit at Sergipe University Hospital (HU-UFS) for bone mass evaluation, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the disease in our region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, longitudinal, and descriptive study. The sample was obtained through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. All statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software, version 2.3.28. Bone mineral density was measured using the Horizon A densitometer (Hologic). RESULTS: The mean age at osteoporosis diagnosis was 67.1 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.17), with 400 women (30.55%). For osteopenia, the mean age at diagnosis was 61.3 years (SD 9.09), with 465 women (35,5%). The group evaluated using Z-scores had a mean age of 30,7 years (SD 8,27) for those diagnosed with low bone mass. Among the variables analyzed, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and age showed the most significant statistical associations, along with reports of previous fractures. CONCLUSION: The most relevant variables included low body weight, shorter stature, low body mass index (BMI), and advanced age — factors already well established in the literature. However, the importance of modifiable factors stands out, such as the rational use of medications and regular physical activity, both of which can positively influence bone health. This study contributes to understanding osteoporosis in the region, enriching the knowledge about the disease and its main local risk factors. Its identification on its early stage and prompt referral to reference care reinforce the essential role of primary care for better prognosis of cases.