Measuring Bone Mass Among Uninsured Hispanic women using Quantitative Ultrasound
Loading...
Date
2009-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Osteoporosis is an acceleration of bone resorption that produces a lower total bone mass and density in the trabecular bone, being most common in older women. Bone mass is determined largely by genetic factors, as well as physical activity, diet, and hormonal status. The primary way to assess the potential for fragility fractures has always been to have a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan of the body. This is still an acceptable diagnostic measure, but not all populations can afford this. Some Hispanic women are at a disadvantage due to their low socioeconomic status and lack of resources. Little research exists to examine the bone health of this specific age or ethnic group of women. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of conducting quantitative ultrasound (QUS) screening of uninsured Hispanic women to determine low bone mass in the calcaneus. The population included in the study was a convenience sample (n=69) of women who attended a free health clinic. Upon consent, participants placed their foot on the Achilles Bone Ultrasonometer to have their bone mass evaluated with ultrasound. A series of 2 to 3 measurements were taken for each patient to ensure reproducibility. The average of the measurements was used for estimation of Stiffness Index (SI) and bone mineral density (BMD). The mean calcaneal SI and BMD Z-score (BMDz) for all 69 participants was 99.3 (SD 14.2) and 0.11 (0.87 SD), respectively. There was a strong, direct relationship between BMDz and SI values, which made for a stronger dependent variable to gauge bone mass in the calcaneus. Implications: This feasibility study was designed to establish that QUS is a feasible means for determining the bone mass in a sample of uninsured Hispanic women that attend a free clinic. This research represents the early development of a model of prediction for a sample of this population. With continued research and more rigorous studies, QUS may be established as an everyday practice to screen underprivileged populations for osteoporosis.
Description
Keywords
bone mass, hispanic women, quantitative ultrasound