Assessment of bone mineral density in women of reproductive age in São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are usually considered women's disorders at postmenopausal age; however, low bone mass and accelerated bone loss may also occur at the young age and could contribute to oesteopenia and osteoporosis during the reproductive years. Several drugs, co-morbidities and unhealthy lifestyle habits can accelerate bone loss, thus increasing the risk of fractures in pre and postmenopausal; however, the dimension of the problem in Brazil is still unknown. Epidemiological studies on the prevalence of low bone mass and characteristics of habits on bone mass of Brazilian women are still scarce. The objective of this study is to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and the prevalence of low BMD in women of reproductive age. Methods: there will be a study with two components; one cross-sectional and one prospective in which 250 women of reproductive age of 18-45 years will be enrolled. Will be the examination of the technical DMO absorptiometry dual beam X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck and collected by questionnaire risk factors in relation to loss of óssse masssa as habits life (calcium intake, vitamin D, physical activity, history of fractures, morbidity, medication use, etc.) and the application of the questionnaire FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool The) to assess the risk of fractures. These tests will be performed again after one year of follow-up. Data analysis: For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies are calculated mean and standard deviation of the results. Will be estimated hazard ratio (OR) to associate the results of BMD with confounding variables. Where there are confounding variables or a factor of continuous exposure, the association will be estimated through multiple Poisson regression. The significance level is 5%.