Volume 36, Issue 256 (4-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 36(256): 92-99 |
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Geran M, Kashi Z, Amini F, Gol Dost P, Arab R K, Zarrinkamar M. Prevalence of Underutilization of Bone Densitometry and Awareness among Eligible Individuals in Sari, 2023. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 36 (256) :92-99
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22097-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22097-en.html
Mojgan Geran 
, Zahra Kashi , Farzaneh Amini , Parviz Gol Dost , Rogheye khatoon Arab , Maryam Zarrinkamar
, Zahra Kashi , Farzaneh Amini , Parviz Gol Dost , Rogheye khatoon Arab , Maryam Zarrinkamar
Abstract: (199 Views)
Background and purpose: Osteoporosis is one of the most common and clinically significant diseases worldwide. It often progresses asymptomatically and is typically not diagnosed until the first fracture occurs. Identifying factors that influence preventive behaviours is therefore particularly important. Bone densitometry is currently considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Underutilization of densitometry and its associated factors, in order to inform effective preventive strategies by identifying underlying causes.
Materials and methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of individuals eligible for densitometry at health centres in Sari in 2023, with a total sample size of 195 participants. Collected variables included age, sex, educational level, smoking history, corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, physical activity level, and reasons for not undergoing densitometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 27), and chi-square and independent t-tests were applied, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: Only 1.2% of eligible individuals had undergone densitometry, while 97.9% had not. Among participants, 65.6% were female and 34.4% were male. A history of weight loss was reported by 10.8% of participants. The most important reasons for not undergoing densitometry were, in order of frequency, lack of time (55.1%), lack of insurance coverage (49.5%), fear (40.3%), insufficient awareness (39.8%), and lack of facilities (28.6%). The mean level of awareness about osteoporosis was 45.78%, while awareness of screening tests was only 5.6%.
Conclusion: The lifestyle of older adults appears suboptimal, highlighting the need to promote healthy behaviours from an earlier age. Limited awareness of densitometry screening and financial constraints represent significant barriers to the prevention and early diagnosis of osteoporosis and require targeted attention from health authorities and policymakers.
Materials and methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of individuals eligible for densitometry at health centres in Sari in 2023, with a total sample size of 195 participants. Collected variables included age, sex, educational level, smoking history, corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, physical activity level, and reasons for not undergoing densitometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 27), and chi-square and independent t-tests were applied, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: Only 1.2% of eligible individuals had undergone densitometry, while 97.9% had not. Among participants, 65.6% were female and 34.4% were male. A history of weight loss was reported by 10.8% of participants. The most important reasons for not undergoing densitometry were, in order of frequency, lack of time (55.1%), lack of insurance coverage (49.5%), fear (40.3%), insufficient awareness (39.8%), and lack of facilities (28.6%). The mean level of awareness about osteoporosis was 45.78%, while awareness of screening tests was only 5.6%.
Conclusion: The lifestyle of older adults appears suboptimal, highlighting the need to promote healthy behaviours from an earlier age. Limited awareness of densitometry screening and financial constraints represent significant barriers to the prevention and early diagnosis of osteoporosis and require targeted attention from health authorities and policymakers.
Type of Study: Brief Report |
Subject:
Family Health
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