Effect of body mass index and physical activities on risk of osteoporosis in Babylon Iraq

الملخص EN

Objectives : To identifying effect of body mass index and physical activities on risk of osteoporosis in Babylon governorate.

Methods : A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out during the period from December 2012 till the end of March 2013.

Data were collected by the researcher depending on the direct interview with the participants using especial questionnaire, was constructed for the purpose of the study, consisted of five parts : the first part was concerned with the socio-demographic characteristics, second part was physical activities levels, third part was about obstetric-gynecological history of female, fourth part measured body mass index, fifth part dealt with Medical history and family which consist of Chronic diseases, Medications used, Certain features and Family history.

The study sample was (312), (281) females and (31) males.

Results : The results indicated that the prevalence rate of osteoporosis in this study was 25.6 %.

The higher percentage of osteoporosis (26.7 %) were female, while (16.1 %) were males and (58.3 %) were within age group (70+) years.

The majority of osteoporosis were (35.1 %) were illiterate, (34.3 %) female at menopause, (36.5 %) had rheumatoid arthritis, (47.1 %) had intestinal disease, (27.6 %) did not take Calcium supplement, (30.5 %) had backache, (50 %) were change in height, (54.8 %) had fracture bone and (60 %) family history with osteoporosis.

The present study showed that (52.6 %) of patients with osteoporosis had normal body mass index, while (11.9 %) were obese(3+).

In addition to, the study revealed that (55.4 %) of patients with osteoporosis were within lowest quartile of physical activities Recommendation : For prevention and control of osteoporosis, the researcher recommends the following : We suggest Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry examination to be done as a survey for all females above 50 years and all males above 70 years with serial assessment and follow up to be done yearly or every two years to decrease possibility of risk of fracture or osteoporosis.

In addition, the high risk groups should be identified, educated and well communicated by the health personnel.