[Epidemiology of osteoporosis]

Abstract

In many countries, including Croatia, there is no disease registry for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Epidemiological data show that the prevalence of osteoporosis is much higher in Asian people than in white European or North American populations, where the prevalence ranges between 10% and 15%. Epidemiological characteristics of osteoporosis in Croatia are similar to other European countries, though the incidence of osteoporotic fractures is somewhat higher. According to the annual report of registered diseases, the number of patients with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures increased during the last 10 years. In 2004, 0.70 % of all registered diseases in Croatia referred to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. The most important risk factors for osteoporosis are age, heredity, lifestyle, chronic diseases, hormonal abnormalities and physical characteristics of bone. Like in other chronic diseases, prevention measures are most important for disease control.