Low Bone Mineral Density in young Indian Information Technology (IT) Professionals: Prevalence and Risk factors

Introduction
Osteoporosis, defined as a “progressive systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture” (WHO), is recognised as a major concern globally especially in older age. However, the prevalence of osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis (significantly low bone density) in young populations is not known. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis and osteopenia among young Indian adult IT professionals.

Methods
The study involved identification of self reported risk factors of osteoporosis and measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) among 426 subjects aged between 20 years and 40 years at on-site occupational health clinics, using an ultrasound BMD analyser at the heel.

Results
The mean (±SD) age (years), height (cm) and weight (kg) of the subjects were 29.41 (±7.41), 168.43 (±8.47) and 67.4 (±11.0). 70% of the subjects were male. The results indicated that 10.7% subjects were exposed to the risk factors of osteoporosis. The study results also revealed that prevalence rate of osteopenia was 33.5% and osteoporosis was 11.6% among the affected population as compared with the reference value. The commonest self reported risk factors were lack of exercise (52%), lack of exposure to sunlight (47%), consumption of caffeine/alcohol (47%) and associated joint pain (37%).

Discussion
Larger studies using BMD measurement by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Vitamin D levels in young IT professionals are recommended. We also recommend that occupational health physicians consider the possibility of osteopenia and osteoporosis in young IT professionals, including males, and incorporate on-site education and screening programmes for these conditions.