Differences in the global exposure, mortality and disability of low bone mineral density between men and women: the underestimated burden in men

Abstract

Talking about osteoporosis, we tend to focus on post-menopause women who are at increased risk due to estrogen depletion, while less attention has been paid to the disease in men. Currently, there is a lack of understanding about the difference of osteoporosis incidence and burden by sex. In this study, we used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) to compare the difference in the prevalence and burden of low bone mineral density (LBMD) between men and women, by location, year, age and socio-demographic index. We found the prevalence of LBMD was higher in women than in men. However, the age standardized mortality rate was greatly higher in men than in women. Using disability-adjusted life year (DALY) to measure the burden, we also observed higher age standardized DALY rate in men. Using sociodemographic index (SDI) as the measure of social development level, we found that higher mortality and DALY rates were mainly seen in middle and high SDI countries. Falls were the leading cause for of deaths and disabilities in both men and women with LBMD, followed by transport injuries. Fall-related mortality was higher in women, while transport injuries caused more deaths and disabilities in men. Conclusively, more attention should be paid to osteoporosis in men, and related policies, clinical practices, and guidelines are in need to reduce the burden of LBMD and osteoporosis in men.

The incidence, prevalence, and health burden of hip fractures in China: Data from the global burden of disease study 2019

“…Besides, China has a large rural population, and screening and treatment for osteoporosis may be less adequate in rural areas. Finally, a recent study suggests that men have lower prevalence of low bone mineral density than women, but the burden due to this disease is much higher in men ( Zhu et al, 2023 ). Osteoporosis may have been overlooked in men for too long ( The Lancet Diabetes, 2021 ), and more attention should be paid to the screening and treatment of this disease in men.…”