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A survey of osteoporosis risk factors and practices
among Jordanian women.
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| Article Type: | Report |
| Subject: |
Health behavior
(Analysis) Osteoporosis (Risk factors) Osteoporosis (Prevention) Women (Health aspects) Women (Research) |
| Author: | Lubna |
| Pub Date: | 05/01/2010 |
| Publication: | Name: Journal of International Women's Studies Publisher: Bridgewater State College Audience: Academic; General Format: Magazine/Journal Subject: Sociology and social work; Women's issues/gender studies Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2010 Bridgewater State College ISSN: 1539-8706 |
| Issue: | Date: May, 2010 Source Volume: 11 Source Issue: 4 |
| Topic: | Event Code: 310 Science & research Canadian Subject Form: Health behaviour |
| Geographic: | Geographic Scope: Jordan Geographic Name: Jordan Geographic Code: 7JORD Jordan |
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| Accession Number: | 247222970 |
| Full Text: |
Abstract The aim of this study was to explore osteoporosis (OP) risk factors among Jordanian women. Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic complex health problem for millions of women worldwide, 80% of whom are postmenopausal women. Unless prevented or treated, this silent disease will continue to limit both the quantity and quality of life of many older women and significantly add to the health care cost for this group. A sample of Jordanian women in different settings in Jordan (N=192; mean age=43years). The study was descriptive and data were collected over a two month period in 2005 with the use of a self-administered questionnaires. : Although women reported having a diet high in calcium, and did not smoke. The majority (68%) did not exercise and consume a large amount of caffeine. There is an overwhelming need for more public education and for wider dissemination of information about OP prevention, and treatment with special attention in targeting younger women to improve women's health early on and halt the progression of this silent disease. Keywords: Osteopporosis risk, Jordanian women, women's health Introduction Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic complex health problem for millions of women worldwide, 80% of whom are postmenopausal women. As a woman ages and approaches middle adulthood, she experiences a variety of physiological and psychological changes that can ultimately affect her health and well being. Osteoporosis and related fractures are major cause of disability, institutionalization and death among aging women. Unless prevented or treated, this silent disease will continue to limit both the quantity and quality of life of many older women and significantly add to the health care cost for this group. Background and Significance Osteoporosis is a systemic disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and thinning of bone tissue leading to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of hip, spine, and wrist (1). The Osteoporosis Society of Canada (2), reported that one in four postmenopausal Canadian women have OP. In Great Britain, it was estimated that 150.555 cases of OP/year that costs about 75 million/year for the resulting fractures of OP. In the United States it was reported that 7 to 8 million individuals already have the OP and 17 million more have low bone mass placing them at increased risk of OP and the fractures it causes (1). However limited studies have been conducted in Jordan to estimate the prevalence of OP among Jordanian population. Jordan is a Middle Eastern Arab Country with a population of approximately 5.3 million people and is has one of the highest fertility rates in the region. It is estimated that 42% of population is under 15 years of age (3). Forty-six percent of the women are age 15-44 years, and 3% are over the age of 65 years. Eighty two percent of the women are literate, 53% have 12 years of education, and 22% have more than 12 years of education (3). Deeply rooted social, traditional and behavioral factors are apparent in the Jordanian society despite the technological advances in the country. For instances, women gain status and security by bearing many children (4). Eighty percent of marriages in Jordan are arranged and approximately 51% are consanguineous (5). In fact social, cultural and economic factors in Jordan have a substantial effect on the lives of women from infancy to old age, which may negatively impact women's health throughout their lives. In this sense, women's health in the period of menopause is considered to be an accumulation of all the physical and emotional experiences that women faces through their entire lives. For many women, their health has been affected by many factors such as environmental factors, extensive workload at their homes and outside, child bearing, inadequate diet and health care (6,7). In Jordan, public attention to OP has been affected by several significant factors, such as, the modernization and national development over the past two decades; life style changes such as unhealthy eating pattern, increased stress and low activity, and increased rise in life expectancy (8,9). The Jordanian health care expenditure has been mostly focused on acute care services. Recently the focus has shifted to services directed toward chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and its related fractures are a major cause of disability and death for both men and women. It is estimated that 25% of women over the age of 60 would suffer an age-related fracture (10). The National Osteoporosis Foundation reported that one in two American women 50 years and older will experience this type of fractures (11). This is true for hip fracture among postmenopausal women, one in six will suffer a broken hip (12), one in five will die from related complication, and 33% to 50% of survivors will suffer loss and disability (13). Many of these survivors will require long term institutional care (14). Since there is no cure for osteoporosis, medical cost is high (17). Research has primarily focused on prevention and treatment measures among menopausal and postmenopausal women (18, 19, 20, 21). These measures are useless if women are not familiar with them and take appropriate step to prevent OP, or even make informed choices about the available treatment. Little is known about the general levels of knowledge regarding OP or associated preventive behaviors. Information is particularly scarce regarding pre and post menopausal women. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the OP risk factors among Jordanian women. Research questions are: (1)What are OP risk factors that Jordanian women face?; and (2) What osteoporosis prevention behaviors are done by Jordanian women?. Methodology Design and Sample A descriptive cross sectional design with a sample of 200 Jordanian women from different settings in Jordan was used. A convenience non probability sampling snowballing technique was used to achieve the required sample size. Snowballing sampling is a technique for developing a research sample where existing study subjects recruits future subjects from among their acquaintances. Of the 200 questionnaires distributed, 192 were returned fully completed. Instrument A self-administered questionnaire was specifically designed for the purpose of the study. The questionnaire was reviewed for comprehensibility and acceptability by a panel of experts. The questionnaire assessed the following dimensions: demographic information i.e., age, marital status, education, income ... etc; health problems; life style behaviors i.e., exercise, smoking; and OP factors i.e., diet, medication, hysterectomy, bone fracture, signs and symptoms. Procedure The principle investigators collected the data using an interview technique in which participants were asked to complete the study questionnaire. The participants were approached and informed about the purpose of the study before being asked to participant. The voluntary nature of their participation was emphasized and the steps that would be taken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity were detailed. Participants' consent was assured by their willingness to complete and return the questionnaires. The principle investigators explained the study purpose and data collection techniques to the participants. Data were collected over a two month period in the year 2005 Analysis Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) descriptors were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics provided information on participants characteristics, life style behaviors, and OP risk factors. Results Characteristics of the Sample One hundred and ninety two women responded to the questionnaire yielding a 96% response rate. This high response rate may be attributed to the fact that the two researchers made direct and personal contact with the participants for the purpose of explaining the importance of this study and in fact inviting women to participate. The sample (n=192) had a mean age of 43 years (range 18 to 78 years; SD= 11). Eighty one percent were married, and 58% had reached menopause, 44% had formal educational qualifications (23% Baccalaureate degree; 21% diploma), and 47% were employed and 49% were homemaker. The majority of the sample were middle income with a mean of 350 JD/month for the total family income (see Table 1). The majority of women (76%) reported a medical problem, with hypertension being the most common (23%) followed by diabetes mellitus (22%), and thyroid problem (21%) (see Table 2). Other problems included hypercholesteremia and asthma. Risk Factors and Preventive Practices The risk factors for women frequently reported were: family history of OP (12%); being sedentary (68%); being menopausal or postmenopausal (27%). The majority of participants did engage in risk behaviors (i.e., corticosteroids (5%); smoking (23%); excessive soda and caffeine consumption (72%; 58% respectively) (see Table 3 and Table 4). Seventy-nine percent of the participants reported proper diet high in calcium intake and 31% take calcium supplements. Eighty one percent had never fracture a bone (9% only had wrist fracture), 71% had never taken hormone replacement therapy. With respect to exercise, 68% did not perform any exercise. Of the 192 participants, 31% reported exercising regularly (walking). Discussion Findings regarding inadequate preventive practices are a further cause for concern. The large percent (58%) consuming more than three cups of caffeinated drinks per day; (72%) soda drinks, strongly suggest the need to promote better nutritional practices among Jordanian women of all ages. There is need also to encourage more women to exercise also is suggested by the results of this study. A considerable portion of women did not exercise. In terms of healthy behaviors, the majority of the sample reported having a diet high in calcium, and did not smoke. However, it was not clear whether these behaviors were done by the participants as means for preventing or avoiding the development of OP or for other reasons. In fact, it appears that there is a lack of intentional behaviors carried out by women to improve or maintain their health. This result may be attributed to the fact that the women usually combine work with the responsibility of a family; as a result of this women may not view their own health as a priority. In conclusion, although OP is recognized as a major public health problem, the focus of attention has remained on medical interventions at the point of fracture rather than on promotion of early preventive measures. There is an urgent need to intensify public education and other health promotion efforts designed to improve women's knowledge and practices regarding OP, its prevention, and treatment. There is an overwhelming need for nurses to carry out future research and to address these issues and to overcome the common misconception that OP is a condition of old age. The development, evaluation, and dissemination of interventions designed to raise the awareness of OP and health related life style behaviors like exercise will play a major role in preventing the progression of this silent disease. Limitations In this study, there were two major limitations to our data that affect interpretation and generalizations. The first one was the use of a convenience non probability snowballing sampling technique, and the second was the small sample size. Both of these limitations may affect the generalizability of the study findings to Jordanian women aged 40 to 60 years. Implications This study has implications for research, practice and education. The first major implication of this study is the need for nurses to accurately assess menopausal women for the risk factors of osteoporosis. Risk factors of osteoporosis should be taken seriously and should not be ignored. The second major implication is the need for public health awareness and prevention programs. Further research addressing women's risk factors of osteoporosis is essential in improving the quality of life of menopausal women. Results of such research can play a major role in acquiring the support of policy makers to further support research and preventive programs for osteoporosis. References (1.) Masud I. Osteoporosis: Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. J Southern Medical 2000; 93(1): 2-17. (2.) Scientific Advisory Board of the Osteoporosis Society of Canda. Clinical practice and guidelines for the disease and management of osteoporosis. Canadian Medical Association J 1996; 155(8): 1113-1129. (3.) Jordanian Department of Statistics. AR. Amman, Jordan, 2005. (4.) Population Health and Nutrition Information Project. Country Health Statistical Report: Jordan. PHNIP, 2002. (5.) khoury SA, Massad D. Consanguineous marriage in Jordan. A J Medical Genetics 1992; 43: 769-775. (6.) Al-Qutob R. Menopause associated problems: Types and magnitude. A Study in the Ain Al-Basha are, Jordan. J Advanced Nursing 2001; 33(5): 613-620. (7.) Chowdhury D. Reproductive health needs of menopausal women in Jordan. Princess Basma Women's Resources Center Bulletin 2000; 1-34. (8.) Ministry of Health: Annual Statistics Report 1998; Amman: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. (9.) Shilbayeh S. Prevalence of osteoporosis and its reproductive risk factors among Jordanian women: A cross-sectional study. Osteoporosis International 2003; 14: 929-940. (10.) Moniz W. Alcohol and bone. British Medical Bulletin 1994; 50(1): 67-75. (11.) National Osteoporosis Foundation. New scientific advances in osteoporosis. Research presented at international meeting (online). Available: http://www.nof.org/newsevents/press_releases/ new_advances_at_intl_conferences. (12.) Grady D., Rubin S., Petitti D, Fox C, Black D, Ettinger B, Ernster, Cummings S. Hormone therapy to prevent disease and prolong life in postmenopausal women. Annals of International Medicine 1992; 117(12): 1016-1037. (13.) Osteoporosis Society of Canada (OSC). What is osteoporosis? (Online) 2000. Available:http://www.osteoprosis.ca/osto/D01-01.html. (14.) Ribeiro V, Blakly JS. Evaluation of an osteoporosis workshop for women. Public Health Nursing 2001; 18: 186-193. (15.) Clark K, Sowers MR. Alcohol dependence, smoking status, reproductive characteristics, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Research in Nursing Health 1996; 19: 399-408. (16.) Orwoll ES, Bauer dc, Vogt TM, Fox KM. Axial bone mass in older women: Study of osteoporotic fractures research group. Annals International Medicine 1996; 124: 187-196. (17.) WiliamsB, Cullen L, Barlow J. "I never knew how little I knew": A pilot study of osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. Health Care for Women International 2002; 23: 344-350. (18.) Advisory Group on Osteoporosis. (1994) Osteoporosis: London. (19.) Ali NS, Bennet, SJ. Postmenopausal women: Factors in osteoporosis preventive behaviors. J Geronotological Nursing 1992; 18(12): 23-32. (20.) Gordon M, Huang J. Monograph series on aging related diseases: Osteoporosis. Chronic Diseases in Canada 1995; 16(1): 1-23. (21.) Sedlak CA, Doheny, MO, Jones SL. Osteoporosis education programs: Changing knowledge and behaviors. Public Health Nursing 2000; 17: 398-402. Table 1
Sociodemographic Characteristics of the
Sample (N= 192) Mean (SD)/ Percentages
Variable Frequency
% M(SD)
Age
43(11)
Marital Status
Single 15
8
Married 157
81
Widowed 13
7
Divorced 7
4
Menopause 50
27
Education Level
Illiterate 41
21
Less than high school 36
17
High school 25
13
Diploma 41
21
Baccalaureate 44
23
Graduate Education 5
3
Religion
Muslim 176
91
Christian 16
8
Place of Residence
City 192
99
Type of Residence
Own Home 134
69
Rent 56
29
Other
1 2
Family Income
300 JD 21
11
500 JD 29
15
600 JD 15
8
Working Status
Working 91
47
Homemaker 101
53
Table 2
Health Problems (N= 192)
Health Problem
Frequency %
Diabetes Mellitus 45 23
Hypertension 42 22
High Cholesterol 14 7
Renal Disease 5 3
Heparin Use 19 10
Cortisone Use 10 5
Thyroid 41 21
Uterus Cancer 3 2
Breast Cancer 2 1
Table 3
Preventive Practices (N= 192)
Type of preventive Behavior Frequency % --
High Calcium Foods 154 79
Calcium supplement 37 19
Regular Exercise 61 31
No Exercise 131 68
Caffeine Intake
Coffee & Tea 112 58
Soda 139 72
Smoking
Yes 45 23
No 145 74
Sun Exposure
Continuous 27 14
Intermittent 143 73
No Exposure 22 11
Hormone Replacement Therapy Use
Yes 52 27
No 140
72
Table 4
Osteoporosis Information
Variable Frequency %
Osteoporosis in Family
Yes 23 12
No 167 86
Relative with Osteoporosis
Mother Side 18 9
Father Side 21 11
Fracture
Number of Fracture
Once 31 16
More than once 5 3
Type of Fracture
Hip 8 4
Wrist 17 9
Other 11
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