Prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis and the impact of life style factors on bone mineral density

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis and the impact of life style factors on bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal and postmenopausal Qatari women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 821 healthy Qatari women aged 20‐70 years had given consent and participated and the study was conducted from June 2005 to December 2006 at the Rumaillah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, State of Qatar. All subjects completed a questionnaire on reproductive and life style factors. Height and weight were measured. All subjects underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine factors influencing BMD of the spine and femur. The main outcome measures were menopausal status, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and BMD measurements. Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women was 12.3%. BMI was significantly higher among postmenopausal women (P < 0.001) when compared to premenopausal women. The subjects who regularly consumed dairy products had better BMD at spine, neck and ward sites (P < 0.05). Those doing regular household work for 3‐4 h a week had higher BMD at all sites compared to those who did not do their own household work. Multiple regression analysis showed that education level and body mass index were strong positive predictors showing high significance. Conclusion: The relation between lifestyle and BMD were explored in Qatari women. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Qatari women is comparable to other countries. BMD values were higher in women who were taking diary products regularly, and were involved with household work.