Newsletters

 

Newsletter/ Number 12/ September 2025

As the research progresses, the team has been diligently examining all of the collected data and continuing to disseminate the results through publications, conferences, and workshops. We have some exciting news to share with you: several of our Fractures-E3 papers are either in press or are being published. We will provide further information as soon as we can.

Work Package 1 – Cross-sectional study of vertebral fracture prevalence and musculoskeletal health

Over 5000 adults are included in this community-based prevalence survey of vertebral fractures and health. The analysis of vertebral fracture prevalence in urban sites has been completed and the work presented at several recent conferences, including the International Osteoporosis Foundation in Rome. The data show that vertebral fractures are prevalent across the three countries. Importantly, more than half of females and males have low bone mass, a risk factor for fracture. The analysis of rural data is underway.

Follow-up of the Zimbabwe and rural Gambian cohort began in May 2025 and will run until the end of the year. In addition to repeating all the earlier assessments, we are collecting pelvis and hand radiographs. This is to help us find implementable imaging solutions in our settings. We plan to work with collaborators developing AI tools for assessment of the radiographs.

We have also been analysing the muscle and functional outcome data, collected as part of Fractures-E3 sister study MUFASSA (Musculoskeletal Functional Ability in Sub-Saharan Africa). We have assessed the appropriateness of current recommendations, which were not developed in adults of African Ancestry. We have defined an Africa-specific sarcopenia (low muscle mass and strength) definition and are assessing how lifestyle and metabolism are related to muscle ageing.

Newsletter/ Number 11/ June 2025

 

Newsletter/ Number 10/ February 2025

 

Newsletter/ Number 9/ September 2024

 

Newsletter/ Number 8/ June 2024

 

Newsletter/ Number 7/ January 2024

 

Newsletter/ Number 6/ October 2023

 

Newsletter/ Number 5/ May 2023

 

Newsletter/ Number 4/ January 2023

 

Newsletter/ Number 3/ August 2022

 

Newsletter/ Number 2/ March 2022

 

Newsletter/ Number 1/ October 2021

 

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