Аңдатпа
Background The prevalence of osteo¬porosis is increasing worldwide representing a considerable public health problem. A number of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been identified. Ionizing radiation has been shown to be associated with exposure to ionizing radiation However, little is known whether this effect can be seen in next generations. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of low bone mineral density among grandchildren of those who lived in close proximity to the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Kazakhstan. Methods This is a part of a larger cross-sectional study on health of grandchildren of those who were exposed to ionizing radiation with documented radiation dose of 200 cSv or more. A total of 300 individuals (39.0% men and 61.0% women) aged 18 years or older residing in Semey region comprised the sample. Bone mineral density was studied using Sunlight Omnisense 7000 densitometer (Sunlight Medical Ltd, Israel). Bone mineral density (BMD) was classified based on WHO criteria into three categories using T-scores. Results The mean age of the sample was 20.4 years. Given very few cases of osteoporosis, we merged this group with the group with osteopenia and call the group as “low bone mineral density” The prevalence of low BMD was 68.0% (95%CI: 62.5-73.0) in the full sample. Men had greater prevalence of BMD (76.0%, 95%CI: 67.6-82.9) than females (64.0%, 95%CI: 56.8-70.5). Fracture history was reported by 11.0% (95%CI: 7.9-15.0) of individuals with no difference by gender. Conclusions Our results suggest that two thirds of young adults whose grandparents were exposed to radiation have low bone mineral density. These results are alarming and are unlikely to be explained by selection or measurement bias. The factors that may be associated with our findings may include transgenerational effect of ionizing radiation one bone mineralization, persistent radioactive pollution of the study area or other factors which are more prevalent in the study area compared to other parts of Kazakhstan warranting further research in areas around the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. Key message Two thirds of young adults whose grandparents were exposed to radiation have low bone mineral density.