The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #36509

IV Haller, PhD, MS¹, RD Leff, MD², AM Fernandez, MD², and P Stevens, FNP-C². (1) Division of Education and Research, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 400 East 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55805, 218 786 8185, ihaller@smdc.org, (2) Section of Rheumatology, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System, 400 East 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55805

OBJECTIVE. To evaluate osteoporosis risk factors in American Indian (AI) females and to compare heel ultrasound bone mineral density (HUS BMD) in AI and age-matched Caucasian females. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS. The study implemented a cross-sectional design using a convenience sample (N=48, ages 29-82) from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa attending a Tribal Health Fair. Each woman completed an osteoporosis risk assessment questionnaire and had a heel ultrasound (HUS). HUS results and potential risks were discussed individually with the participants. 96 Caucasian females were randomly selected from the Osteoporosis Center database. RESULTS. 54% of the AI participants had subnormal HUS. In four individuals the HUS results were classified as osteoporosis, yet only two were aware of their disease. AI females were nearly 3 times more likely to have subnormal HUS than age-matched Caucasian females. Among risk factors associated with the reduced BMD, age and being small-framed/thin-boned were statistically significant in AI women. Higher proportions of AI women with subnormal HUS began menopause or had a hysterectomy, reported broken bones due to a minor accident, had diabetes, clotting problems, emphysema, or were on chronic steroid or diuretic therapy. CONCLUSIONS. While this pilot study did not identify significant risk factors for osteoporosis in the AI population, due to small sample size and limitations of study design, it suggests reduced BMD in AI females, raises awareness about osteoporosis in this population, shows importance of community-based screening, and provides a good basis for a larger study involving multiregional AI population.

Learning Objectives:

After presentation the participant will be able to
• Recognize reduced bone mineral density in the American Indian population and subsequent risk of pathological fractures
• Discuss potential osteoporosis risk factors in the American Indian population

Keywords: American Indians, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.