Author/Authors :
Keshtkar, Abbasali Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Khashaya, Patricia Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Mohammadi, Zahra Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Etemad, Koroush Non-communicable Disease Center - Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education , Dini, Mahboubeh Non-communicable Disease Center - Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education , Aghae Meybodi, Hamidreza Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Ebrahimi, Mehdi Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Razi, Farideh Diabetes Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Ramezani, Majid Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Nabavi, Hassan Sannandaj University of Medical Sciences , Saghafi, sharareh Golestan Research Center of Psychiatry - Golestan University of Medical Sciences , Sadigh, Hamidreza Arak University of Medical Sciences , Derakhshan, Siamak Sannandaj University of Medical Sciences , Bayegi, Fereshteh Osteoporosis Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Jouyandeh, Zahra Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Hajian, Masoud Arak University of Medical Sciences , Karimi, Mohammad Sannandaj University of Medical Sciences , Larijani, Bagher Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is becoming a health concern worldwide. Considering the fact that prevention plays an important role in reducing the burden of this silent disease and in view of the limited resources available, many countries have adopted certain programs to fight osteoporosis through shifting their attention towards at-risk individuals. The Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study (IMOS) is one of these programs. The program aims to assess bone health and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in different parts of Iran with various altitudes, latitudes and lifestyle habits in a way that the results could be generalized to the country.
METHOD: The present article presents the protocol used in the third phase of the study. It was designed based on the experiences gathered in the previous phases to overcome the shortcomings particularly subject loss. The questionnaire applied in this study was developed based on a thorough literature review of the risk factors and secondary causes of osteoporosis and was approved by an expert panel.
RESULT: While the majority of the existing studies aim to study a certain aspect of osteoporosis, the present protocol provides the information needed for policy makers and researchers to study different osteoporosis-related issues.
CONCLUSION: The authors believe the protocol, to be implemented with small modifications, can help policymakers in different parts of the world, particularly developing countries, gather accurate information on different aspects of bone health at the national level.
