Prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis among the Chinese population in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

The prevalence of osteoporosis is forecasted to escalate in Malaysia with an increasing elderly population. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and the risk factors of osteoporosis among middle-aged and elderly Chinese Malaysians. Three hundred sixty seven Malaysian Chinese aged ≥40 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia, were recruited. All subjects completed a structured questionnaire comprised of demographic details, medical history, diet, and lifestyle practices. Body anthropometry and bone mineral density measurements were also performed. The relationship between bone health status and risk factors was determined using multivariate logistic regression. Fifteen-point-three percent of the overall study population and 32.6% of those aged ≥71 years had osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis among women (18.9%) was higher than men (11.5%). The significant predictors of osteoporosis were age, body weight, and low monthly income. Lean mass, low education level, and being underweight predicted osteoporosis in women. Lean mass was the only significant predictor of osteoporosis in men. Overall, 15.3% of the Malaysian Chinese aged ≥40 years from Klang Valley, Malaysia, had osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was associated positively with increased age and low monthly income and negatively with body weight. Therefore, osteoporosis preventive strategies targeting Chinese elderly from a low socioeconomic background is necessary.