Korean J Women Health Nurs.  2012 Dec;18(4):237-247. 10.4069/kjwhn.2012.18.4.237.

Incidence of Osteoporosis and Falls and Predictors of Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women

• Ahn S
• Kim Y
• Chun N
• Lee SH

• KMID: 2308262
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2012.18.4.237

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of osteoporosis and falls and their consequences, and to identify predictors of fracture risk in the postmenopausal women.
METHODS
A total of 687 postmenopausal women were recruited through a stratified convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain osteoporosis and fall history and details of their most recent fall. To predict fracture risk factors, we collected demographic and physical health variables related osteoporosis and fall. Fracture risk was measured by FRAX(R) to calculate 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fracture.
RESULTS
The prevalence of osteoporosis was 22.1%, and 66.4% of them had treatments for osteoporosis. The incidence of falls during the past year was 19.2% and 38.6% of those who fell suffered consequent fractures. Women with history of osteoporosis and falls were significant predictors of 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fracture. Other significant predictors were history of fracture, chronic disease, surgical menopause, lower BMI, poorer perceived health and no job.
CONCLUSION
It appears that history of osteoporosis and falls are main predictors of fracture risk. Nursing assessment should be performed by detail history taking for osteoporosis, fall, chronic disease, and fracture to screen fracture risk group among postmenopausal women.

Keyword

Menopause; Osteoporosis; Falls; Fracture

MeSH Terms

Chronic Disease
Female
Hip
Humans
Incidence
Menopause
Nursing Assessment
Osteoporosis
Prevalence
Surveys and Questionnaires
Risk Factors