Abstract
Background: Osteoporosis is a silent disorder characterized by low bone density and structural deterioration of bone microarchitecture leading to fragility and increased risk of fractures. It has been considered primarily a postmenopausal condition, due to the known effects of low estrogen on bone mass loss in females. However, recognition of the burden of osteoporosis in the male population has grown in the past decades, associated with an increase in fragility fractures in the population, likely due to the worldwide longevity, a more sedentary lifestyle, and an increased prevalence of risk factors. The aim of the study was to evaluate osteoporosis in males and its causative factors in Damascus Hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid), during the period from 20/6/2024 to 15/8/2024. Patient files were studied in the Department of Endocrinology, between 2013 and 2024, and the number of patients studied was 73 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Results: Our study included 73 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, aged 60-97 with a mean age of 77 years. The majority of patients were rural residents (61.6%). Chronic diseases suffered by patients were: hypertension (23.3%), followed by diabetes (15.1%). More than half of the patients were smokers (74%). A small percentage (8.2%) consumed alcohol. The majority of patients (67.1%) were not physically active. The common primary causes were: family history (35.6%), vitamin D deficiency (32.9%), lack of physical activity (15.1%), advanced age (9.6%). Secondary causes were: medications (42.5%), then underlying medical conditions (9.6%).
Conclusion: Osteoporosis in men is caused by a complex interaction between hormone deficiency, medication use, lifestyle choices, and genetic factors. Understanding these causes is critical to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Our study found that the most important causes of osteoporosis were long-term steroid use and a family history of osteoporosis.