The Invisible Threat: Burden of Low Bone Mass in apparently healthy college going young adults of Telangana

Osteoporosis is global health problem and India is no exception to it. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are the major causes of mortality, morbidity, and cost of medical care. Multiple studies have been performed on prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in older population, however, there is a paucity of literature about the factors affecting low BMD in young apparently healthy Indian population.

Primary objective is to estimate the factors affecting low bone mass among apparently healthy college going young adults of Telangana. Secondary objective is to determine the relationship between low bone mass and serum blood markers and other measured parameters.

This will be a cross-sectional study that will be initiated after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study will be conducted at Departments of Orthopaedics, AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad. Study participants will be recruited after a written informed consent. DEXA scan, serum Vit D, PTH, Serum Calcium, Phosphorus and Alkaline Phosphatase levels will be performed, assessed and analyzed in relation to BMD.

With current lifestyle of youth with low level of outdoor activities we are expecting high prevalence of low bone mass in young Indian adults. By analyzing the factors affecting Low BMD, we can make huge impact on bone health of our future generation by taking appropriate measures and therefore we can offload our health care system from the complications arising out of osteoporosis.