Prevalence of risk factors of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women in Shiraz, southern Iran

Background: Osteoporosis a serious and debilitating disease resulting in an increased risk of fracture, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This study was performed to determine the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Shiraz, southern Iran. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 405 menopausal women over 55 who referred to health centers from June to October, 2005. The health centers had been chosen by random cluster sampling from different geographic areas of Shiraz. For gathering data, a modified questionnaire, based on postmenopausal osteoporosis evaluation form of NAMS (North American Menopausal Society) as well as an interview and examination were used. Results: The mean age of menopause was 49 years. Disease and medication intake which are considered as osteoporosis risk factors existed in 12.6% of the subjects. 8.4% of the subjects had positive family history, and lifestyle accounted for 78% of the high risk. The minimum and maximum lifestyle risk factors were inactivity and lack of exercise (33.3%) and no exposure to sunlight (5.9%), respectively. 15.3% of the subjects were smokers. From 75 individuals who had done BMD test, 58 had osteoporosis and 17 had no evidence of osteoporosis. Regarding risk factors, there was no significant difference between osteoporosis and nonosteoporotic individuals. Conclusion: In general, lifestyle is the most common risk factor in our sample. Lack of physical activity and smoking as life style risk factors are the most common causes of osteoporosis in menopausal women.