Risk factors for XXXX and factors related to the use of DXA in Norway.

@entity1 @entity170 @entity174
To evaluate the case-finding strategy for @entity170 in Norway, a questionnaire concerning risk factors for @entity170 and history of osteodensitometry was mailed to a population-based cohort of 6000 @entity1 and 6000 @entity1 . Suboptimal examination rates among high risk and reallocation of scanning capacity to seemingly low-risk individuals was found. PURPOSE: In Norway, a case-finding strategy for @entity170 has been used. No data exist regarding the efficacy of this approach. The aim was to examine the prevalence of risk factors for @entity170 and factors related to the use of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in Norway. METHODS: Questionnaires regarding previous history of DXA, risk factors for @entity170 and @entity174 were sent to an age-stratified, nationwide cross-sectional sample of 6000 @entity1 and 6000 @entity1 aged 40-90  years, drawn from the Norwegian Civil Registration System. RESULTS: Valid responses (6029) were included. Twenty-two point three percent of @entity1 and 3.8  % of @entity1 had been examined by DXA. Suboptimal examination rates among high risk (e.g., current/previous glucocorticoid treatment or previous low-energy @entity174 ) and reallocation of scanning capacity to seemingly low-risk individuals was found. Of all DXA, 19.5  % were reported by @entity1 without any risk factor for @entity170 , similarly by 16.2  % of @entity1 . Distance to DXA facilities and current smoking were inversely related to probability of reporting a DXA. CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal examination rates among high risk and reallocation of scanning capacity to seemingly low-risk individuals were found. Distance to DXA, current smoking, and male sex constituted possible barriers to the case-finding strategy employed. Cheap and more available diagnostic tools for @entity170 are needed, and risk stratification tools should be employed more extensively.
