Arch Osteoporos. 2025 Nov 27;20(1):148. doi: 10.1007/s11657-025-01623-3.
ABSTRACT
In 744 adults from Pune (Western India) and nearby villages, osteoporosis prevalence was higher in rural women than urban (43% vs 18%). Advancing age, location, height, tobacco use and sunlight were key determinants. These findings emphasize urgent need for preventive and management strategies in rural population to reduce osteoporosis burden.
BACKGROUND: About 150 million older adults (age > 60y) live in India presently, representing ~ 14% of the global older population. The population is expected to reach 324 million by 2050, leading to higher healthcare burden from conditions like osteoporosis. However, there is limited knowledge about bone health and its determinants in middle-aged rural and urban Indian adults.
METHODS: This study included 744 adults (398 women) aged > 40y from urban and rural areas of Pune, India. We assessed areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at lumbar spine and femur using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and volumetric bone parameters by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Socio-economic-status and lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, tobacco use, sunlight) were evaluated. Differences in bone parameters were analysed and multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of bone health.
RESULTS: Significant differences observed in anthropometry and lifestyle factors in urban and rural population. Rural men and women had lower aBMD than urban, with osteoporosis more common in rural women (43%) than urban (18%), and in women compared to men (31% vs 8%). In both sexes, bone outcomes were influenced by anthropometric, residential, and lifestyle factors. Height and rural residence predicted bone density and geometry in men, while in women, age, height, rural residence, tobacco intake, and sunlight exposure were key determinants CONCLUSION: Rural population showed poor bone health. Bone health in both sexes was influence by age, height, rural residence, lifestyle factors like tobacco use and sunlight exposure. Strategies targeting lifestyle modification may help improving bone health among Indians.
PMID:41307825 | DOI:10.1007/s11657-025-01623-3
