OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to identify the reproductive risk factors of osteoporosis in over 50-year-old women in north of Iran. Extensive differences in the osteoporosis epidemiological pattern among geographic and ethnic groups have been reported. Previous studies addressing these issues in Iran are very limited.

METHODS:

This survey is a population-based study of over 50-year-old women in north of Iran in 2004. After recruiting, all subjects were interviewed by a well- trained interviewer using structured questionnaires included demographic variables, reproductive and medication history. Diagnosis of osteoporosis was based on sonography and positive cases future confirmed by DEXA. Statistical analyses were performed using X2 test, T-test, analysis of variance. The adjusted odds ratio and 95% CI was reported by multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS:

796 women participated in this study. 147 women (18.5%) were identified as having osteoporosis. Significant association were found between age, age at menarche, parity, years of menstruation, educational level, job, oral contraceptive pills usage, physical activity, exercise, body mass index and menopausal status with osteoporosis. After adjusting for variables, the age more than 70 years old and years since menopause more than 15 years were identified as significant risk factor for osteoporosis.(OR=2.76 and 1.83 respectively). Having a job compared to housewives, physical activity more than 3 hours a week and BMI more than 25 were identified as protectors of osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION:

In spite of low incidence of some risk factors of osteoporosis such as smoking and Alcohol intake in our population, the prevalence of this worldwide public health problem is high in north of Iran. These findings should help to identify women at risk and to design an early strategy for osteoporosis prevention based on eliminating modifiable risks.

Keywords: osteoporosis, quantitative ultrasound, reproductive risk factors