Bone health status of postmenopausal Chinese women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis in treatment-naïve postmenopausal women, their treatment adherence, and the risk factors for osteoporosis.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of bone density reports, a self-administered health checklist, and computerised consultation records.


METHODS
Primary care sexual and reproductive health service in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Postmenopausal Chinese women who had never received osteoporosis treatment or hormone replacement therapy.


METHODS
Each woman completed a checklist of risk factors for osteoporosis, menopause age, history of hormone replacement therapy, and osteoporosis treatment prior to undergoing bone mineral density measurement at the postero-anterior lumbar spine and left femur. The consultation records of those with osteoporosis were reviewed to determine their treatment adherence.


METHODS
T-score at the spine and hip, presence or absence of risk factors for osteoporosis, and treatment adherence.


RESULTS
Between January 2008 and December 2011, 1507 densitometries were performed for eligible women; 51.6% of whom were diagnosed with osteopenia and 25.7% with osteoporosis. The mean age of women with normal bone mineral density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis was 57.0, 58.0, and 59.7 years, respectively. Approximately half of them had an inadequate dietary calcium intake, performed insufficient weight-bearing exercise, or had too little sun exposure. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, body mass index of <18.5 kg/m(2), parental history of osteoporosis or hip fracture, and duration of menopause were significant risk factors for osteoporosis. Among those with osteoporosis, 42.9% refused treatment, 30.7% complied with treatment, and 26.3% discontinued treatment or defaulted from follow-up. Those who refused treatment were significantly older.


CONCLUSIONS
Osteoporosis is prevalent in postmenopausal women. Only 50% adopted primary prevention strategies. Almost 70% refused treatment or stopped prematurely.
The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, 10/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Sue S T
SS
Lo
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000367:Age Factors; D044466:Asian People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000032:analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000502:physiology; D006304:Health Status; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013472:Sunlight; D013997:Time Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal
D002136:Calcium, Dietary
Bone and bones; Female; Menopause