30% of women screened at Ministry of Health suffer from low bone mass

According to a screening conducted for the employees of the Ministry of Health on Nov. 20th, 30% of females suffer from low bone mass with an average age of only 36. However, out of the males screened, 26% of participants have low bone mass with an average age of merely 42 years. The screening was held as part of the osteoporosis campaign with the joint venture of Dubai Bone and Joint Center (DBAJ), the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Anlene Milk, to raise awareness about osteoporosis in the UAE.

"These results, which indicate that up to a quarter of Ministry of Health employees have low bone mass, are extremely worrying," stated Dr. Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist at Dubai Bone and Joint Center, "The screening so far have confirmed fears that the UAE residents may not be consuming enough calcium through a proper diet. In addition, people are not getting sufficient sunlight even in one of the world's sunniest climates, which provides Vitamin D and contributes to stronger bones."

The campaign has been an ongoing event since its launch in May 2007 by DBAJ during the "Bone Health week". Held at primary health care centers throughout the UAE, the main objective of the campaign is to raise awareness about how residents can protect themselves from osteoporosis and the side effects of weak bones.

Typically, someone suffering from osteoporosis will have fragile bones, which are more like to fracture. The common areas are the hips, spine and wrist. This can lead to immobility, hospitalization, and a decrease in the quality of life, and in some cases to mortality

The goal of DBAJ, MoH and Anlene screening campaign is to collect data across the UAE to create more accurate statistics about the percentage of osteoporosis in the Gulf region. The information gathered by measuring bone density can then help doctors determine the best preventive measures and treatment for the disease.

The remainder of the initiative, running through March 2008, will have events across the entire UAE including bone screenings in MOH primary medical centers in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Quwain and Dubai; as well as at the malls, supermarkets and Union cooperatives over the next four months with the aim of screening approximately 12,000 individuals. The data will be published later and can be used to provide doctors and scientists with a more factual study on the pervasiveness of osteoporosis in the UAE, which will be announced at the end of the campaign.