Relationship of Depression and Risk Factors in Osteoporotic Men

Abstract

Although osteoporosis mainly affects women, it could also be seen in men. The aims of the this study were to evaluate the risk factors for osteoporosis in men and to determine their relationships with each other. 49 men with osteoporosis were enrolled in the study. The participants completed a questionnaire covering education, work, alcohol intake, smoking, milk consumption, physical activity and oral glucocorticoid therapy. Additionally, Beck Depression and Visual Analogue Scales were used to assess depression and back pain level. Bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine (L2-L4), neck of femur and Ward’s triangle zone were performed by means of dual energy x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). Dorsal, lumbar x-ray images were taken. According to WHO criteria, patients having Tscores of BMD ≥ -2.5 SD were included. In all patients, positive correlation between the length of education and exercise (r=0.305, p=0.03) and a negative correlation with milk consumption (r= -0.428, p=0.002) were found. Beck Deepression Scale scores were lower in working patients (r=0.457, p=0.001). There was positive corelation between Beck Depression and Visual Analogue Scales values (r=0.376, p=0.01). In men, life style and habits of the individual could be risk factors for osteoporosis and these issues should be taken into consideration before the planning of the treatment