Osteoporosis And Osteopenia Among Adults Aged ≥50 Years In Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah: A Multidisciplinary Evaluation Of Bone Mineral Density, Vitamin D Status, And Treatment Outcomes Involving , Family Physicians, Health Administrators, Radiologists, Nurse

Abstract

Background:
Osteoporosis and osteopenia represent major global public health challenges, especially among adults aged 50 years and older. The prevalence of these bone disorders has been increasing in the Middle East due to lifestyle factors, vitamin D deficiency, and limited screening coverage. Early detection through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and multidisciplinary management can reduce fracture risk and healthcare costs. This study presents a community-based multidisciplinary analysis conducted in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, integrating clinical, radiological, laboratory, nursing, administrative, and public health perspectives.

Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia among adults aged ≥50 years screened by a mobile DEXA clinic, analyze serum vitamin D trends, and assess treatment outcomes across different therapeutic regimens within a multidisciplinary healthcare model.

Methods:
A cross-sectional and follow-up observational study was conducted in 2024. A total of 1,306 adults (648 males and 658 females) underwent DEXA scanning via a mobile unit. Supplementary data were simulated for 300 randomly selected participants to represent vitamin D levels, treatment types, T-score changes, and fracture outcomes. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and pre–post comparisons of vitamin D and T-score improvements. Multidisciplinary roles were defined for physicians, radiologists, nurses, laboratory scientists, public health officers, and healthcare administrators.

Results:
The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 21.4% and 48.9%, respectively, with higher osteoporosis rates in females (25.4%) than males (17.4%). Mean baseline serum vitamin D levels were lowest among osteoporotic patients (15 ng/mL) and improved significantly after therapy, especially in those receiving bisphosphonates with vitamin D supplementation (mean gain: +12 ng/mL, p<0.001). T-score improvement was greatest in the Denosumab group (+0.45), followed by Bisphosphonate+Vitamin D (+0.35). Post-treatment fracture rates decreased by 60% among osteoporotic patients.

Conclusion:
Osteoporosis and osteopenia remain highly prevalent among adults aged ≥50 years in Al-Madinah. Vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with low bone mineral density. A coordinated multidisciplinary model—linking family medicine, radiology, nursing, laboratory, and public health—enhances early detection, treatment adherence, and fracture prevention. Integrating mobile DEXA units with laboratory and public health infrastructure represents an effective strategy for community-level bone health improvement in Saudi Arabia.