The Prevalence of osteoporosis among women aged 40-60 in Tehran

Osteoporosis is one of the most common aging disorders. Its prevalence varies according to lifestyle and dietary habits in various countries. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in Tehranian women aged 40-60 years in 2000. In this study, 754 non-pregnant women were selected by cluster random sampling. Sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Dietary data were obtained using 3 consecutive 24-hour recalls and a food frequency questionnaire of calcium-rich foods for the past week. Anthropometry and blood pressure were evaluated and BMD was measured in femur and spine. Osteoporosis was determined according to WHO definition. The prevalence of osteoporosis in spine and femur area was 15.8 and 2.9 percent, respectively and the prevalence of osteopenia was 33.8 and 26.8, respectively. 50.6 percent of women had osteoporosis or osteopenia in spine and 29.6 in femur. Bone mineral density was lower in osteoporosis or osteopenia subjects than healthy women (P<0.001). The prevalence of osteoporosis in menopause women was 4.6 percent in femur and 23.1 percent in spine area and these women had lower bone mineral density (p<0.001). Osteoporosis was also a problem in our country as other countries. It is an important problem in older adults and it is necessary to make a decision for its prevention and control.