Reducing the Prevalence of Osteoporosis among Diverse Asian American Populations through Education and Screening

Asian Americans who are at high risk of developing osteoporosis share many risk factors such as having a small bone frame and low calcium intake. National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 20% of Asian Americans have osteoporosis and 52% have low bone mass. In addition, as much as 90% of Asian Americans may be lactose intolerant. Thus, preventing osteoporosis is challenging.

To reduce the number of Asian Americans that develop osteoporosis in Montgomery County, Maryland, the Asian American Health Initiative has established the Osteoporosis Education and Screening Program. Through collaboration with CBOs, FBOs, and community partners, the Program provides bone density assessments and osteoporosis education to the Asian American community. During outreach events, AAHI brings the Contact Ultrasound Bone Analyzer to provide a simple screening to measure participant's bone density of the heel. A screening report is given to the participants after the measurement along with other culturally and linguistically appropriate education materials. AAHI staff and health promoters who understand and speak participants' culture and language respectively provide result explanation and education to participants to prevent osteoporosis.

In addition to providing education and screening, AAHI also collected data on each Asian sub-group. Since 2007, AAHI has provided bone density assessments to 995 people at outreach activities; 73% of them are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, 54% of which have low bone density, and 18% are at high fracture risk. To reduce the prevalence of osteoporosis, AAHI continues its efforts to provide education and screening for Asian Americans.