To investigate the prevalence and relevant risk factors of osteoporosis and osteopenia among herdsmen in the western pastoral areas of Jilin Province, so as to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of the disease in pastoral areas.

A multi-stage sampling method was used to select areas to perform epidemiological investigation in December 2012. Two countries-Cha Ganhua and Wulantala were randomly selected in Qianguo town. In each township, almost 50% of the villagers who were more than 18 years old were selected to detect osteoporosis and collect relevant information. Quantitative ultrasound bone density measuring instrument was used to measure the bone mineral density of subjects. Self-designed questionnaire was used to collect information. Information of general demographic information (age, gender, stature, weight, education level and marital status), obesity status [body mass index (BMI)] and osteoporosis related influencing factors were included in the questionnaire. χ² test and rank test were performed to compare differences between two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent influencing factors.

Among 203 qualified subjects, detectable rates of osteoporosis and osteopenia were 3.45% (7/203) and 46.80% (95/203), respectively. Age and BMI were two independent influencing factors of osteoporosis/osteopenia. Herders who were greater than 50 years old were 2.72 times riskier than those who were less than 40 years old to be suffered from osteoporosis or osteopenia (OR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.34-5.53); those with BMI ≥18.5 but< 24.0 were 0.21 times riskier than those with BMI< 18.5 (OR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.06-0.79); those with BMI ≥24.0 were 0.13 times riskier than those with BMI< 18.5 (OR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.03-0.48). There were no statistical correlations between osteoporosis/osteopenia and sex, minority, drinking status, parents' history of osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid hormone usage status(all P > 0.05).

The detection rate of osteopenia among herdsmen in the western pastoral areas of Jilin Province is high. Age and BMI are two independent influencing factors of osteoporosis/osteopenia. Health education on osteoporosis is strongly necessary. Herders should be encouraged to take measures such as early diagnosis, early treatment, reasonable diet, appropriate exercise, appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D, so as to prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis; Osteopenia; Risk factors