Abstract
Background: Previous studies confirmed the relation between postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and short inter-pregnancy interval (IPI). Studies assessing this association in KSA are limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association and factors affecting the presence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal Saudi women.
Methods: A case-control study was done on cases diagnosed with PMOP who had DEXA scan report and cases of postmenopausal females without osteoporosis. Through a personal interview, a questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, height, weight, sports practice, previous bone fracture, smoking, medications used, breastfeeding numbers, interpregnancy intervals, age at menarche, age at menopause, age at first baby, number of deliveries, number of breastfeeding, and T-score and Z- score.
Results: Participants with at least one interpregnancy interval < one year had a significantly higher percentage of those belonging to cases. Cases had a significant higher mean number of inter-pregnancy interval less < one-year, lower T-score and lower Z-score compared to controls. A non-significant relationship was found between the cases and controls according to sports practice. BMI categories, previous bone fracture and smoking and family history of osteoporosis, age at menarche, age at menopause, age at first baby, number of deliveries, number of breastfeeding, and number of medications used.
Conclusion: Females in reproductive age should be educated about the importance of long IPI and the relation between short IPI on PMOP.