Osteoporosis risk factors in a sample of patients attending Baghdad teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition causing reduced bone density and predisposing to fragility fractures, with a negative impact on quality of life and a significant financial burden on healthcare systems; understanding risk factors supports early detection.

Objective: To identify risk factors for osteoporosis among patients attending the DXA unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, and examine the relationship between demographic, lifestyle, and reproductive factors and bone mineral density (spine T-score).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 among 240 patients (18 males, 222 females; mean age 56.49 ± 12.63 years) recruited via simple sampling from the DXA unit and referring clinics at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Structured interviews collected demographic, educational, and lifestyle data; bone density was assessed via DXA scan. Statistical analysis (SPSS-28) included frequencies, percentages, means, Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation (significance at P ≤ 0.05).

Results: The highest proportion of osteoporosis cases occurred in the 50–59-year age group (35.4%). Most participants were female (92.5%), married (87.5%), unemployed (72.5%), and urban residents (83.8%); 36.7% were illiterate. Family history of osteoporosis was reported by 36%, and 7.9% were smokers. Mean age at menopause was 47.36 ± 5.78 years. Highly significant associations were found between spine T-score and BMI, and between spine T-score and menopausal status (P = 0.05).

Conclusion: Higher BMI appeared protective against osteoporosis, while early menopause — linked to estrogen deficiency — was a primary risk factor. Findings support targeted screening and preventive counseling for women approaching or experiencing early menopause.