Factors Associated with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Case-Control Study of Belgrade Women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate factors related to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Belgrade. A case-control study was conducted during 2006–2007. The study group consisted of 100 newly diagnosed osteoporosis patients and 100 age-matched controls (±2 years). The inclusion criteria for the case group were newly diagnosed osteoporosis confirmed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and being menopausal (at least 2 years of amenorrhea). The inclusion criteria for the control group were postmenopausal women with confirmed normal bone mineral density of the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. All study participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. The following factors were significantly independently related to osteoporosis: low body weight (P < 0.001), thin constitution in childhood (P = 0.002), history of previous fracture (P = 0.033), menopause at age <47 years (P < 0.001), family history of fracture (P = 0.005), and less frequent consumption of cheese (P = 0.027) and fish (P = 0.020). The majority of factors identified may be modifiable and could be influenced to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

KEYWORDS:

• osteoporosis
• post-menopause
• risk factors
• case-control study

Notes

This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology Development through contract Nos. 145084/2006 and 145045/2006. No competing financial interests exist.

^a95% confidence interval;

^bReference category.

^a95% confidence interval.

^a95% confidence interval.

^bOnly foods and food groups significantly related to osteoporosis are presented.

^a95% confidence interval.