RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN WOMEN OF 4 DIFFER ENT OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS

Primary osteoporosis is common, with significant sociomedical conseque nces. This paper studies the prevalence of risk factors and risk behav ior for osteoporosis in women of four different occupational groups: h ousewives, blue collar workers, white collar workers/civil servants an d farmers. We analyzed risk factors and risk behavior associated with osteoporosis in the scientific literature. The sample comprises 9,939 women. The data set is based on a health survey conducted in 79 select ed rural communities of Styria (Austria)between 1989 and 1993. Sociode mographic data, lifestyle, health complaints, chronic conditions and u tilization of preventive and treatment services were surveyed by means of standardized personal interviews. The results show that the women of the four occupational groups were subjected to very different stres ses. White collar workers/civil servants had the lowest risk with rega rd to osteoporosis. Our results suggest that efficient intervention pr ograms to prevent osteoporosis need to specifically focus on the diffe rent social life styles of women.