A community-based study to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for osteoporosis among menopausal and pre-menopausal women

Background: To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis among pre and post menopausal women using quantitative ultrasound of calcaneal bone and to identify the risk factors associated with osteoporosis.Methods: This prospective community based epidemiological study was conducted during 2019 in a suburban area attached to Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai. 305 subjects met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using a structured questionnaire, demographic details, obstetric, gynaecological and medical history were collected. Quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneal bone was used to calculate the bone mineral density. Using statistical methods, risk factors for osteoporosis were analysed.Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.67±9.41 years, 62.2% were post menopausal and 37.38% were premenopausal. The BMD ‘T’ score was normal in 29.8%, osteopenia was diagnosed in 38.4% and osteoporosis in 31.8% of participants. 14% of premenopausal women and 42.4% of postmenopausal women were osteoporotic. Age, menopausal status, duration of menopause, and previous history of fractures emerged as significant risk factors for osteoporosis.Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis is high among both pre-menopausal and menopausal women, but the awareness is limited. This study highlights the need for screening all women after the age of 40 years which is feasible using portable and easily available technology such as quantitative ultrasound of peripheral bones

Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination among medical and nursing students in a tertiary care hospital

Background: This study was done to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention among medical and nursing students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. The study included 407 subjects; 224 medical students, and 183 nursing students and consent was obtained from each participant prior to the study. A questionnaire survey was used to assess their knowledge on cervical cancer and its prevention. Results: Out of the 407 participants, 95.5% of the medical students and 30.6% of the nursing students knew that HPV virus causes cervical cancer. Medical students had more knowledge on risk factors. 84.38% of medical students and 43.72% of nursing students were aware that vaccine is available for the prevention of cervical cancer. Overall nursing students had limited knowledge on cervical cancer and its prevention. 51.79% of the medical students and 27.87% of the nursing students acquired their knowledge about HPV vaccine through social media. The uptake of HPV vaccine was very low among both medical and nursing students. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate that there is a need for creating more awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention among medical and nursing students