Prevalence of Osteoporosis among a group of Syrian Women and its Risk Factors

Abstract Background and aim: Osteoporosis is a disease affecting the skeletal system, causing a reduction in bone mass and density, so the bones become fragile and prone to fractures. In addition, osteoporosis affects both men and women, but its prevalence appears widely and strongly in women, especially those after menopause. This disease has many negative impacts on individual and community health in terms of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis among a sample of women. By studying demographic factors, medical history, surgical history, gynecological history, and lifestyle, we can determine the risk factors related to it.Materials and Methods: The across-sectional study included a sample of (70) pre and postmenopausal women who had been referred to the densitometry unit in the radiology department at Damascus hospital. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumber spine and left femur was assessed by a densitometer using (DXA) technology and, following the World Health Organization criteria for osteoporosis, height and weight were measured. By oral questioning of the patient, detailed demographic information, lifestyle, dietary habits, medical, menstrual, and drug history were recorded in a questionnaire designed for this study. Inclusion criteria included pre and postmenopausal women. Exclusion criteria included females aged less than 18 years and pregnancy. The data was collected between 1/6/2022 and 5/8/2022. Data analysis was performed using the (JMP 14) program.Results:The prevalence of osteoprosis and osteopenia in the study sample were (19%) and (43%), respectively. The mean age in normal BMD women was (48.18±11.76), and the mean age in low BMD women was (54.13±13.71). Osteopenia was significantly associated with age, postmenopausal, number of pregnancies, family history of osteoporosis, low calcium diet, sun exposure, and rheumatoid arthritis, but there was no statistically significant correlation with BMI, menarche, years following menopause, smoking, corticosteroids, thyroxine, or skin color.Conclusions:More than half of the study sample had low BMD, and most of them were postmenopausal. These findings help identify high-risk women and suggest early strategies and serious steps to raise awareness among them and to reduce modifiable risk factors to prevent developing osteoporosis.