Early Detection and Prevention of Osteoporosis Among Pre- and Postmenopausal Women in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Osteoporosis is difficult to treat and is still incurable, and thus prevention is critically important. The aim of this study was to find out the high-risk women for osteoporosis and to correlate their bone mineral density (BMD) with their investigated risk factors. Cross-sectional design was used and it was conducted among 200 pre- and postmenopausal Saudi women. The study documented that postmenopausal females had high prevalence of osteopenia and majority of them had low serum calcium. Significant correlation was found between low BMD and family history of osteoporosis; increased BMD was seen in women, who consumed calcium-rich foods, exposure to sun light, and longer fertility period. Majority of the women 94.5% had inadequate knowledge on preventive measures of osteoporosis. The high prevalence of osteopenia in postmenopausal women indicates the ultimate importance of early intervention to prevent development of osteoporosis in later life.