Osteoporosis is a major public health problem worldwide, and of particular significance to Singapore’s ageing society. The government is aware of this, as seen in the issue of the MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 3/2008 on Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis sufferers have increased risk of fractures, which may require hospitalization and cause their health to deteriorate due to prolonged immobilization. Many patients who sustain a fracture do not return to their previous functional status, and may require long term institutional care.
Data on Singapore shows that the incidence of hip fractures has gone up significantly since the 1960s – 5 times more in women and 1.5 times more in men. One year post hip fracture, between 20 to 27% die. 30% of survivors are semi- or fully dependent. The cost to the individual, family and society are thus significant.
Adequate treatment of osteoporosis is thus essential to reduce these effects.
What efforts have been made towards increasing public awareness and prevention, so that the disease is not under-treated?