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® 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.
Summary Statement
▪ What is already known about this topic?
Elderly people have higher prevalence of osteoporosis, falls, and fracture due to recurrent falls. Considerable risk factors are identified to prevent and manage osteoporosis and fracture related to falls. However, there is lack of information for postmenopausal women although they are close to old age group.
▪ What this paper adds?
Surgical menopause was a significant variable to experience osteoporosis, falls, and fracture risk, when compared to the risk factors for elderly population. From the multivariate analysis, history of osteoporosis and falls were significant predictors of fracture risk. History of fracture, having chronic disease, surgical menopause, lower BMI, poorer perceived health and no job were additional predictors.
▪ Implications for practice, education and/or policy
Nursing assessment should be performed for postmenopausal women through detail history taking about osteoporosis, falls, fracture, and chronic disease to screen fracture risk group for further nursing intervention.
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