THE OSTEOPOROSIS SITUATION OF ELDERS IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM, THAILAND.

This study was aimed to survey the bone mineral density (BMD) of Thai elders in Samut Songkhram province which were measured with 352 elders by using calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometers (Sonost 2000, OsteoSys, Korea). According with BMD level, bone status of elders was characterized as osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal BMD, which were 113 (32.1%), 160 (45.5%) and 79 (22.4%), respectively. Over three-fourths of elders had abnormal BMD, however, they were well behaviors in osteoporosis protection. Moreover, we cannot guarantee that elders with normal BMD of heel bone had normal BMD in other bone, such as, hip bone and lumbar spine. Long-term education and calcium supplement should be act as osteoporosis intervention program. Constantly screening and monitoring of osteoporosis in risk elders were also necessary to reduce chance of fracture and accident in elders.