Medical and social aspects of osteoporosis in the population of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Introduction. Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bony tissue. The osteoporosis is considered a medico-social disorder because the resulting osteoporotic fractures pose a major health problem and the mortality rate in an elderly person with hip fracture approaches 20 %. It is estimated that the financial and health related cost of osteoporosis will rise in future generations. Aim of the study. To study the medico-social impact of osteoporosis to the population from the Republic of Moldova. Materials and methods. This is a descriptive science paper. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic Moldova, the national and international scientific articles were used as a study material. Results. The result of the study indicate an increase in the number of osteoporotic fractures. The estimated number of fragility fractures for 2015 was 11271 and is predicted to increase to 15863 in 2050. The incidence of hip fracture in population above 50 years in Republic of Moldova is 292/100000 in women and 239/100000 in men. The study also indentifies the risk factors, the social and economic burden of osteoporosis. Conclusions. Osteoporosis is considered a medical and social problem of the Republic of Moldova, which affects the elderly person especially women in the postmenopausal period. The risk factors for osteoporosis are low body mass index, age ≥65 years, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, low calcium intake, etc. The most serious complications are osteoporotic fractures.