Bone tissue status in women-nuns: age-related features and correlational analysis

2026-04-30T21:16:46+03:00

Bone health is an important indicator of women’s overall well-being, and its age-related decline is often accompanied by the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. In women living in monastic communities, lifestyle characteristics, dietary patterns, physical activity level, and somatic comorbidities may influence bone remodeling processes, making the assessment of their bone status a relevant task for clinical and preventive medicine.

The aim of research – to assess the bone status of women-nuns using ultrasound densitometry, determine its age-related characteristics, and analyze selected correlation relationships.

Materials and methods. Twenty-nine women-nuns aged 27–70 years were examined. The participants were divided into age groups according to WHO recommendations: 25–44 years, 45–59 years, and 60–75 years. Bone tissue status was assessed using ultrasound densitometry (Sonost 2000, OsteoSys, Korea). Data on somatic pathology were collected through standardized interviews. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Pearson correlation; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. Ultrasound densitometry parameters demonstrated a clear age-related decline in bone tissue quality. The 60–75-year group had the lowest T-score values, a pronounced reduction of BQI, and decreased SOS and BUA, reflecting impaired microarchitecture and increased bone fragility. Osteopenia predominated (51.7%), while osteoporosis was identified in 6.9% of participants. The frequency of pathological T-scores increased with age. Correlations between the most common types of somatic pathology and bone tissue parameters were weak and statistically non-significant (r ranging from -0.27 to +0.10). Negative correlations were found between T-score and periodontal pocket depth (r = –0.39; p < 0.05), as well as between SOS and this parameter (r = –0.41; p < 0.05). Other correlations between densitometric and periodontal parameters were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. Women-nuns demonstrate a pronounced age-related decline in ultrasound densitometry indices, reflecting reduced mineral density and deterioration of bone quality. Age is the principal determinant of bone status deterioration. The observed negative correlations between bone parameters and selected periodontal indices suggest a possible systemic relationship between structural-functional bone characteristics and the severity of periodontal destruction. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection of bone tissue disorders and comprehensive assessment of oral health among middle-aged and elderly women

ScienceRise: Medical Science

Bone tissue status in women-nuns: age-related features and correlational analysis