Iranian Journal of

Background: Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease which is characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fracture. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and T-score discordance between femur and lumbar spine as well as their risk factors in a group of healthy postmenopausal women and men older than 50 years old based on Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study data in phase 3 compared to phase 1.

Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study. 295 men and 397 women in IMOS 3 from Arak and Sanandag, and 868 men and 685 women  from Tehran, Mashad, Tabriz, Shiraz and Bushehr were recruited based on randomized cluster sampling

Results:  osteoporosis and osteopenia prevalence in men were 32% and 50% respectively, which were more in IMOS 3 compared to IMOS 1 (28% and 49.3%) but no statistical significance was noticed p=0.258. In postmenopausal women there were no difference in osteoporosis and osteopenia prevalence between IMOS 3 and IMOS1. There were no difference in discordance prevalence in IMOS 3 compared to IMOS 1. Logistic regression analysis revealed body mass index and physical activity had protective role against osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Conclusion: It seems osteoporosis in men has greater rate compared to women. Lifestyle changes especially physical activity and nutrition can play a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis. And based on T-score discordance between femur and lumbar spinebperforming BMD at two different sites is necessary for the Iranian population.