One in Five Women in Tunisia Suffer from Silent Osteoporosis
According to the latest statistics from the rheumatology and bone disease department at La Rabta University Hospital, one in five women in Tunisia suffer from silent osteoporosis, announced Dr. Hela Sahli, head of the department, in a statement to the media on Saturday morning.
On the sidelines of an awareness day for osteoporosis screening in women over 60, organized by the rheumatology department at La Rabta Hospital, Dr. Sahli explained that osteoporosis has become a widespread disease in Tunisia, affecting more women than men, and presenting no precursor symptoms such as pain.
On the occasion of this awareness day, held as part of the celebration of World Osteoporosis Day on October 20th of each year, she emphasized that a large number of people in Tunisia are affected by osteoporosis without realizing it, until they suffer a fracture after a simple twist of a limb. She pointed out that such a twist would not cause any complications in healthy individuals.
Dr. Sahli recommended the necessity of measuring bone density (osteodensitometry) using a dedicated device, accompanied by necessary laboratory tests, especially in elderly individuals (60 years and older) or those who are more at risk of contracting the disease. This allows for early detection of the disease and administration of appropriate treatment.
According to Dr. Sahli, menopausal women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than other women. Similarly, individuals suffering from neurological diseases, joint or intestinal inflammation, or those taking corticosteroid medications for an extended period, are more exposed.
She warned against neglecting early detection of osteoporosis, emphasizing that it can lead to severe fractures, especially in the hip area. Citing global studies, she indicated that 25% of elderly women who suffer from hip fractures due to osteoporosis die within six months of being bedridden.
She called for the need to preserve bone health by consuming calcium and vitamin D-rich foods and supplementing them if necessary, as well as practicing physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week (the international standard).
She also urged individuals affected by osteoporosis to take their medications rigorously and correctly, as prescribed by their treating physician, noting that neglecting to do so can harm the effectiveness of treatment and lead to serious complications.
It is worth noting that, this morning, patients who presented to the rheumatology department benefited from bone density screening using a dedicated device, as well as a examination and direct advice from specialist doctors, in addition to the organization of awareness sessions on how to maintain bone health.
