Co-relation of Dietary and Circulatory Calcium on Bone Mineral Density in Female Population of Quetta

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of low bone density in the females of Quetta city and find out its co-relation with dietary factors and blood calcium level.

Study Design: Descriptive Corelation Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Two hundred women from all ethnic groups which included mixed population of Pathans, Balochi, and settlers (residing from last 30-65 years) of Quetta city were randomly enrolled in this study.

Materials and Methods: A sample of 200 adult healthy women, residents of Quetta city, aged 20-80 years were randomly selected to participate in the study. Blood calcium level was determined by Blood biochemical auto analyzer and bone mineral density of these subjects was measured by bonesonometer. A questionnaire was used to collect dietary, sociodemographic, age, dietary factors and other relevant detailed information affecting bone mineral density (BMD) status of women.

Results: Amongst all the subjects 66 (38%) were osteopenic, 17 (8.5%) and 117 (58.5 %) were normal. T-score was positively correlated with milk, (p<0.01) and negatively correlated to age (r= -0.61, p<0.01), junk food and women bearing more than four children.  BMD decreased with increasing age and low BMD was found to be more prevalent in women above 45.