PREDICTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS DIAGNOSIS AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN - RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL SURVEY

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem in the U.S. today resulting i n premature mortality, deformity, pain, loss of function, and disabili ty. Diagnosis of osteoporosis is key to obtaining treatment. The purpo se of this study was to examine risk factors that are correlated with osteoporosis diagnosis among a national sample of postmenopausal women . Factors associated with osteoporosis diagnosis included age, race, a nd family history. Health care providers, including physicians, dietit ians, nurses, physical therapists and social workers, can play a key r ole in improving diagnoses among at-risk women. They can work together to increase awareness and improve knowledge regarding the risk factor s for osteoporosis including body mass index, physical activity, smoki ng and nutritional status.