BONE DENSITY IN MEN LIVING IN THE ABAY REGION OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Actuality. Worldwide prevalence of osteoporosis the age of 50 years and above is 7% in men, lower than the 23% reported for women (Vilaca T. et al, 2022). Osteoporosis is generally considered a female disease, so it is not studied enough in men. The purpose of our paper was to determine the prevalence of risk factors for decreased bone mineral density in Kazakh men living in the Abay region, Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods. Recruitment of study participants was conducted by random sampling. The study group included 77 men aged 18 years and older, living in Abay region of Kazakhstan since birth. All participants had dual energy Xray absorptiometry (DXA), biochemical blood analysis for calcium, alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D and were interviewed. The questionnaire was designed according to the International Osteoporosis Diagnostic Questionnaire. Results. 22 men had decreased BMD, with a range of -1.5 SD and below. The mean calcium and alkaline phosphatase values were normal, whereas vitamin D deficiency was 16.2 ng/mL. Objective examination findings revealed an elevated BMI of 26.0 kg/m2. The questionnaire revealed several factors described as “affecting bone metabolism”. These factors are such as reduction of height by more than 3 cm after 40 years of age (15.6%), smoking (16.9%), infrequent consumption of food rich in calcium, proteins and vitamins. Conclusion. The prevalence of low bone density in adult males of the Abay region of Kazakhstan was 28.6%. Based on the data available in the literature on risk factors for osteoporosis in women, it can be noted that the same factors are applicable to the study of osteoporosis in men. The results of our study allow us to make recommendations regarding adequate diet, including the consumption of food rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D, regular physical exercise, walks in the open air and avoiding smoking.