Killer Disease 'Osteoporosis' Targets 58% Saudi Women

By Bushra Nikhat | Riyadh

The incidence of osteoporosis in the Saudi Arabia recently reached alarming levels compared to other countries, registering 58 and 32.2 percent for women and men respectively.

Dr. Hussein Al-Mohi, deputy dean of applied sciences at King Khalid University, explained that x-rays are the first step in diagnosing osteoporosis.

He elaborated further that bone density is measured by a device which uses x-rays. The device employs a special type of x-rays, which are pain-free and safe because it uses a very small amount of x-rays and does not need preparation or intravenous injection.
The doctor highlighted that the prevention of osteoporosis is more important than treatment, and it begins during youth.

Dr. Iman Al-Nashar, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at King Khalid University, explained that osteoporosis is an abnormal shortage in bone density and causes vulnerability over age.

“The natural state of the bones is similar to a sponge filled with small pores, and in case of osteoporosis the pores increase, grow and become more brittle then lose their firmness, and therefore break easily,” she said.

Al-Nashar added that women represent about 80 percent of osteoporosis cases and induce a fracture in about half of women after the age of 50 years old.

“Around 58 percent of Saudi women suffer from osteoporosis, and the rate of infection among men reaches 2.2 percent. The ratios are very high, particularly in men compared to some other communities in Europe and America,” Al-Nashar said.

Total losses incurred by the state as a result of the treatment costs for osteoporosis in the Kingdom is estimated at more than SR20 billion, and is estimated to rise to SR32 billion by 2030.

Dr. Khalid bin Owdah Al-Ahmari, dean of the faculty of Applied Sciences and head of Physical Therapy Department at King Khalid University, highlighted that there are some recommended exercises for people who suffer from osteoporosis, such as walking, using stairs, riding a bike and resistance sports using free weights and a rubber band or use of sports equipment and some exercises under water.