Osteoporosis in Asia: a call to action.
Asia is witnessing a rapid growth in its aging population. Yet osteoporosis in this region has received relatively little attention. Hip fracture rates have increased by 2- to 3-fold in most Asian countries during the past 30 years. Lack of quality epidemiologic data, widespread vitamin D deficiency, low dietary calcium intakes, and uneven access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities are some of the major challenges faced in this region. Osteoporotic fractures constitute a huge medical, social, and economic burden in Asia. There is an urgent need to promote research, spread awareness, and build national health programs to check this growing problem.
Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, India. ambrishmithal@hotmail.com
Ambrish
A
Mithal
Parjeet
P
Kaur
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology
D002136:Calcium, Dietary