Aqsa Malik

Dr. Aqsa Malik

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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15 December 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Muhammad Zahid IqbalMuhammad Zahid Iqbal
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
AMAqsa Malik
Aqsa Malik
NMNaeem Mubarak
Naeem Mubarak
Tahneem YaseenTahneem Yaseen
Tahneem Yaseen
Seerat ShahzadSeerat Shahzad
Seerat Shahzad
SASaad Alqahtani
Saad Alqahtani
Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis risk in real-world, outpatient settings is shaped by intersecting socio-demographic, environmental, and clinical factors. We evaluated predictors of fracture risk status among adults seeking care in community pharmacies in Lahore, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across urban and suburban pharmacies using a validated questionnaire aligned with international guidelines. Participants were classified as lower risk (osteopenia/osteoporosis without fragility fracture) or high risk (≥1 fragility fracture with clinical osteoporosis). Associations between candidate factors and risk status were examined using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Of 286 participants, 53.1% were classified as lower risk. After adjustment, most sociodemographic characteristics were not independently associated with fracture risk status, except monthly income. Strong associations were observed for diabetes (AOR = 0.005, 95% CI 0.0007–0.040; p < 0.001), short-term glucocorticoid use (AOR = 32.33; p = 0.004), current smoking (AOR = 14.23; p = 0.002), ex-smoking (AOR = 4.95; p = 0.042), and lack of sunlight exposure (AOR = 7.09; p = 0.019). CKD, rheumatoid arthritis, and vitamin D insufficiency demonstrated borderline non-significant trends. Multivariable modeling did not include “not tested” categories or sparse variables. Conclusions: In Lahore’s community pharmacies, diabetes, CKD, RA, glucocorticoid exposure, smoking, and sunlight/vitamin D-related factors were the dominant correlates of osteoporosis fracture risk status, whereas most socio-demographic factors exerted limited independent effects. Pharmacy-anchored screening and counseling focused on these high-yield clinical indicators alongside timely BMD referral and guideline-concordant therapy may help identify individuals at elevated fracture risk.