Original scientific paper
Calcaneous Ultrasonographic Assessment of Bone Mineral Density in the Roma Minority Population of Croatia – Preliminary Report
Tatjana Škarić-Jurić
Matea Zajc
Nina Smolej Narančić
Maja Barbalić
Marijana Peričić Salihović
Lovorka Barać Lauc
Abstract
A multidisciplinary anthropological and epidemiological pilot field study of the Bayash population living in 6 villages
of the eastern Croatian region of Baranya has been performed in 2005/06. The Bayash (or Boyash) belong to the
Roma minority population speaking a distinct archaic dialect of the Romanian language. Since the bone mineral density
values in the Roma have not been explored so far and the prevalence of osteoporosis is unknown for this ethnic minority
group a screening by means of the »Sahara« Hologic clinical bone sonometer has been performed on 232 voluntary participants
(73 males and 159 females). The prevalence of osteoporosis (T-score <–2.5) in the Bayash aged 50 and older is
found to be 9.1% in males and 34.4% in females, which is substantially higher than in the general population of Croatia.
The prevalence of T-values ranging from –1 to –2.5 indicating osteopenia is found to be 63.6% in males and 45.3% in females,
while T-values within the normal range are found only in 27.3% males and 20.3% females. In addition to the low
bone mass in older subjects, the mean estimated bone mineral density in all age groups of Bayash men and women was
lower in comparison to the manufacturer’s reference ranges for European population of the same age. Since body size effects
could not be declined, the reference values that would be appropriate for the Roma population should be further explored.
The high estimated prevalence of developed osteoporosis calls for attention and the survey should also be extended
to exploring the association of low bone mineral density with particular life style and reproductive factors present
in this semi-sedentary Roma population.
Keywords
Roma minority; Bayash; bone mineral density; osteoporosis; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
27686
URI
Publication date:
13.12.2006.
Visits: 1.277 *