Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Fracture in China : The China Osteoporosis Prevalence Study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study evaluates the prevalence of and factors associated with osteoporosis, clinical fractures, and vertebral fractures among adults 40 years or older in mainland China by sex, age group, and urban vs rural residence.

Key Points

Question

What is the prevalence of osteoporosis and clinical and vertebral fracture in the adult population of mainland China?

Findings

In this cross-sectional study of 20 416 individuals, the prevalence of osteoporosis among adults 40 years or older was 5.0% among men and 20.6% among women, and the prevalence of vertebral fracture was 10.5% among men and 9.7% among women.

Meaning

These findings suggest that recommendations for screening and treatment of fractures should include both men and women in China.

Abstract

Importance

The aging of the population is associated with an increasing burden of fractures worldwide. However, the epidemiological features of fractures in mainland China are not well known.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with osteoporosis, clinical fractures, and vertebral fractures in an adult population 40 years or older in mainland China.

Design, Setting. and Participants

This cross-sectional study, the China Osteoporosis Prevalence Study, was conducted from December 2017 to August 2018. A random sample of individuals aged 20 years or older who represented urban and rural areas of China were enrolled, with a 99% participation rate.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Weighted prevalence of osteoporosis, clinical fracture, and vertebral fracture by age, sex, and urban vs rural residence as determined by x-ray absorptiometry, questionnaire, and radiography.

Results

A total of 20 416 participants were included in this study; 20 164 (98.8%; 11 443 women [56.7%]; mean [SD] age, 53 [13] years) had a qualified x-ray absorptiometry image and completed the questionnaire, and 8423 of 8800 (95.7%) had a qualified spine radiograph. The prevalence of osteoporosis among those aged 40 years or older was 5.0% (95% CI, 4.2%-5.8%) among men and 20.6% (95% CI, 19.3%-22.0%) among women. The prevalence of vertebral fracture was 10.5% (95% CI, 9.0%-12.0%) among men and 9.7% (95% CI, 8.2%-11.1%) among women. The prevalence of clinical fracture in the past 5 years was 4.1% (95% CI, 3.3%-4.9%) among men and 4.2% (95% CI, 3.6%-4.7%) among women. Among men and women, 0.3% (95% CI, 0.0%-0.7%) and 1.4% (95% CI, 0.8%-2.0%), respectively, with osteoporosis diagnosed on the basis of bone mineral density or with fracture were receiving antiosteoporosis treatment to prevent fracture.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of an adult population in mainland China, the prevalence of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture were high and the prevalence of vertebral fracture and clinical fracture was similarly high in men and women. These findings suggest that current guidelines for screening and treatment of fractures among patients in China should focus equally on men and women and should emphasize the prevention of vertebral fractures.