Factors associated with osteoporosis among older patients at the Geriatric Centre in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background: Osteoporosis is a silent disabling clinical condition often attributed to ageing. It is of public health importance because of its complications and attendant morbidity and mortality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken of 2401 older patients (60 years and above) at the Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Candidate variables such as socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, physical and lifestyle habits were assessed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using SPSS 17®. Results: The point prevalence of osteoporosis was 56.9% (males = 43.7% and females = 65.8%). The most significant factors associated with osteoporosis on logistics regression analyses were increasing age, female sex, lack of formal education, lack of engagement in occupational activities and living with relatives/friends. Receiving social support from relatives/friends, non-participation in sporting activities at younger ages, prolonged use of medications for peptic ulcer disease, hospitalisation on or after the age of 60 years and asthenic build were also found to be significant. Yearly increase in age shows a 6.9% (95% CI 5.4-8.4%) increase in the odds of having osteoporosis. Conclusion: The high prevalence of osteoporosis among older persons in this study calls for concerted efforts by the healthcare workers to prevent osteoporosis among older patients.