Case records and commmentaries in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Abstract

Objective of the Study: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of Osteoporosis and osteopenia in three different racial groups of women over 40 years of age, attending the Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi outpatient clinics. Methodology: This was a cross sectional clinical study involving a sample of 170 outpatient clinic attendants. Measurements of BMD were done using 10 QCT bone densitometry in the radiology department. This was complemented by a self-administered questionnaire to capture the associated variables. Result: The quantitative analysis in the comparative results of Bone Mineral Densitometry among the three study groups indicated a significant difference in the levels of Bone Mineral Density, osteoporosis and osteopenia. Based on three levels of measurement of Low, Medium and high the study confirmed that the mean values of the measurements of osteoporosis and osteopenia amongst the African woman were found to be the lowest, followed by the Asian woman and highest amongst the Caucasians. These findings influenced the mean values of the BMD in the sample, which were found to be highest amongst the African, followed by the Asian and Lowest in the Caucasian woman. TIle findings indicate that the BMD in the African woman seemed to be better despite the presence of the known influencing factors. The critica I varia bles that influence BMD studied included; parity, nutrition and dietary habits, physical activity, use of alcohol or tobacco. Other variables observed and documented in the study included the commonest menopausal signs and symptoms. Conclusion: This study brings a significant difference amongst the three racial groups studied. There exists variations in the known factors influencing bone density in women and this observation needs further in-depth research.