DETERMINANTS OF OSTEOPOROSIS AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN BAGHDAD, IRAQ

Background: Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. It is a major public health concern in Iraq, particularly among postmenopausal women due to age, lifestyle, and cultural factors affecting vitamin D and calcium levels. Objective: To determine the prevalence and key determinants of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women attending the DEXA unit in Baghdad’s Medical City in 2023. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2023 on 212 postmenopausal women aged ≥42 years. Data were collected through structured interviews covering socio-demographic factors, lifestyle habits, medical history, and reproductive characteristics. Physical activity was assessed across five domains using a Likert-based questionnaire. Serum vitamin D levels were extracted from laboratory reports. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and categorized according to WHO criteria. Data analysis was performed with SPSS v26 using Chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 46.2%, while 32.5% had osteopenia. Older age (≥60 years), longer duration of menopause, being a housewife or retired, inadequate daily sunlight exposure (<30 minutes), and poor physical activity were significantly associated with osteoporosis (p<0.05). Vitamin D levels and comorbidities showed no significant associations. Conclusion: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent among postmenopausal Iraqi women. Preventive strategies should focus on promoting safe sunlight exposure, physical activity, lifestyle modifications, and early screening with DEXA to reduce future fracture risk and healthcare burden.