The magnitude of osteoporosis in middle aged women

This study aims to increase the body of knowledge regarding osteoporosis in the Jordanian context by investigating the magnitude of osteoporosis amongst perimenopausal women, as well as the risk factors associated with the disease.

Two hundred and fifty one women between the ages of 40 to 60 years were randomly selected from the Orthopedics and Rheumatology out patient clinics at the Major Teaching Hospital in Amman, Jordan. A structured questionnaire, which focused upon risk factors and preventive measures for osteoporosis, was administered by a trained staff nurse to all women. Index women were then referred to a private hospital, also in Amman, for a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine (Lumbar 1-4) and hip.

Results show the magnitude of osteoporosis was 13% according to the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine. Women with osteoporosis were older (p< 0.00) and smaller in build (p<0.00) than women with low or normal bone density. Osteoporotic women were also more likely to be menopausal (p<0.00) and to have taken corticosteroids for a prolonged period of time (p<0.00). Logistic regression showed being menopausal (p<0.00), taking corticosteroids (p<0.05), and having a relatively lower body mass index (p<0.00) were significantly related to being osteoporotic in this group of women.

The authors conclude that this study was not only able to report upon the magnitude of osteoporosis among women sampled, and the risk factors for low bone density, but also raised issues related to inconsistencies in how the health care system deals with women who are at risk for osteoporosis. Study findings are discussed in their socio-cultural context, and implications of the study findings are presented.