Pilot case-control investigation of risk factors for hip fractures in the urban Indian population.
BACKGROUND
Despite the reported high prevalence of osteoporosis in India, there have been no previous studies examining the risk factors for hip fracture in the Indian population.


METHODS
We carried out a case control investigation comprising 100 case subjects (57 women and 43 men) admitted with a first hip fracture into one of three hospitals across New Delhi. The 100 controls were age and sex matched subjects who were either healthy visitors not related to the case patients or hospital staff. Information from all subjects was obtained through a questionnaire based interview.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in the number of cases of hip fracture with increasing age. There were significantly more women (57%) than men (43%). Univariate analysis identified protective effects for increased activity, exercise, calcium and vitamin supplements, almonds, fish, paneer (cottage cheese), curd (plain yogurt), and milk. However, tea and other caffeinated beverages were significant risk factors. In women, hormone/estrogen therapy appeared to have a marginal protective effect. For all cases, decreased agility, visual impairment, long term medications, chronic illnesses increased the risk of hip fracture. The multivariate analysis confirmed a protective effect of increased activity and also showed a decrease in hip fracture risk with increasing body mass index (odds ratio (OR) 0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.006-0.10 & OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.97 respectively). Individuals who take calcium supplements have a decreased risk of hip fracture (OR 0.076; CI 0.017-0.340), as do individuals who eat fish (OR 0.094; CI 0.020-0.431), and those who eat paneer (OR 0.152; 0.031-0.741). Tea drinkers have a higher risk of hip fracture (OR 22.8; 95% CI 3.73-139.43). Difficulty in getting up from a chair also appears to be an important risk factor for hip fractures (OR 14.53; 95% CI 3.86-54.23).


CONCLUSIONS
In the urban Indian population, dietary calcium, vitamin D, increased body mass index, and higher activity levels have a significant protective effect on hip fracture. On the other hand, caffeine intake and decreased agility increase the risk of hip fracture. Future studies should be done in order to direct primary preventive programs for hip fracture in India.
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Ruchira M
RM
Jha
Ambrish
A
Mithal
Nidhi
N
Malhotra
Edward M
EM
Brown
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013662:Tea / Q000009:adverse effects; D014505:Urban Population / Q000639:trends
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D013662:Tea; D002110:Caffeine