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19 March 2024

Vit D deficiency affects up to 90% UAE women

1 in 3 women over 50 in the country at risk of osteoporotic fracture: research. (File)

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By Wam

The three most prevalent rheumatic conditions that affect women in the UAE are osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and vitamin D deficiency, said healthcare experts speaking at the Women’s Health conference at the Obs-Gyne Exhibition and Congress on Sunday.

Experts warned that it is essential to highlight these conditions as they are often debilitating and silent, and if not addressed, may cause further health complications.

The exhibition, which is organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions and runs until March 31 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, features more than 50 of the region's leading suppliers and solution providers of women's health industry.

The exhibition also includes three conferences which are CME accredited by the Cleveland Clinic, and addresses major health issues affecting women in the region.

According to Dr. Humeira Badsha, Consultant Rheumatologist at Dr. Humeira Badsha Medical Centre, Dubai, "Rheumatic conditions are more common in women more than men. 

Approximately 65 per cent of females suffer from them compared with 35 per cent of males. Increased awareness is important, especially health issues with the potential to deteriorate."

Dr. Badsha moderated the Women’s Health Programme which looked at updates and advances in the management of hypertension, menopause, breast cancer screening, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism, among other issues.

"Women often do not realise that osteoporosis can be a silent disease until they suffer complications, such as a bone fracture after a minor fall. 

Additionally, they often delay seeking medical help for arthritis, for instance, until it is quite advanced. Increased awareness of these conditions can help in prevention and effective treatment," said Dr. Badhsa.

Research conducted in Dubai indicates that screening programmes have detected high levels of osteopenia and osteoporosis, and statistics show that an osteoporotic fracture occurs every three seconds, with one in three women and one in five men over 50 in the country being at risk of osteoporotic fracture.

"Studies have shown that 70 per cent of post-menopausal women in the UAE and a quarter of healthy young adults have low bone mass. Currently, vitamin D deficiency affects 90 per cent of women in the UAE," Dr. Badsha added.