The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40005

Christine Rohr, DO¹, Kimberly R. Barber, MS², and Arup P. Sarkar, MS¹. (1) Medical Education, Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals, Inc., 1000 Houghton Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602, (2) Research, McLaren Regional Medical Center/Michigan State University, 401 S. Ballenger, Flint, MI 48532

Objectives: Previous studies have failed to document whether populations traditionally at high risk for osteoporosis are receiving appropriate levels of care. We undertook a community screening of older individuals to examine the prevalence of diagnosis and preventative therapy in high-risk populations. Methods: Community screening to increase bone mineral testing among the elderly was conducted. In 1999, 477 residents presented for screening. Diagnostic assessment, lifestyle counseling and therapeutic recommendations were made. Prevalence rates of diagnosis and treatment were calculated according to multiple risk factors presented. Results: Only 20.5% of women over 65 had ever received screening or diagnosis in the past. Yet, 70.2% tested positive for osteoporosis. Significantly more high-risk subjects were positive compared to low-risk subjects, while they were not any more likely to have received treatment. In those > 65 years, 70.2% were positive compared to 45.1% among younger subjects (OR 2.8, CI 1.5-5.2). However, the older group was not more likely to be on medications (15.9%) or supplementation (40.5%) than the younger group (19.6% and 39.2%). The relationship held for risk according to premature menopause, steroid use, and dietary intake. Conclusions: Osteoporosis screening can be an effective tool in identifying bone loss in women at high risk for osteoporosis. In the absence of bone density community screening, women are not receiving the level of health care prevention necessary to reduce the burden of osteoporosis. Reliance on clinical presentation identifies the problem but does not allow for initiation of early osteoporosis preventative therapies.

Learning Objectives: At conclusion of the session the participant will be able to

• Identify community risk groups among women at of risk of osteoporosis.
• Describe potential differential in diagnosis and treatment rates between women with high risk or low risk of osteoporosis/osteopenia.
• Assess the prevalence of diagnosis and treatment between high- and low-risk women.

Keywords: Health Assessment, Women's Quality Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.