The Prevalence of Osteoporosis among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in a Rural Mission Hospital in South‑East Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a global public health problem characterized
by reduction of bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to assess the
prevalence of osteoporosis among antenatal clinic attendees in a rural Southeastern
hospital. Material and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study of booking
Antenatal Clinic Attendees at Mile 4 Catholic Hospital, Abakaliki, between October
2014 and February 2015. The study participants were selected through systematic
random sampling. The BMD of the right calcaneal bone of the participants was
measured using the OsteoPro, a Quantitative ultrasound scan. Results: A total of
327 eligible women participated in the study. The average age of the participants
was 29 ± 4.5 years. The average parity was 2 ± 1.6 childbirths. The mean T‑score
was −1.19 ± 4.9. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were recorded in 119 women (36.4%)
and 56 women (17.1%), respectively, whereas 152 (46.5%) were within normal
range. History of regular exercise by the respondents is statistically significant on
the reduction of osteopenia and osteoporosis (P ≤ 0.05). The history of ever use of
calcium supplementation by the study participants in the index pregnancy did not
have any significant effect on the reduction of osteoporosis. Conclusion: There is
a high prevalence of osteoporosis among pregnant women in Southeast Nigeria.
This may be due to the predominant poor adherence and low dose of calcium
supplementation among pregnant women in this environment. Therefore, there is an
urgent need for sensitization on this public health problem.

Keywords: Antenatal women, calcaneal bone, osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteoPro,
Southeast Nigeria