Aim: To estimate the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) among rural women of reproductive age in Upper Egypt and to evaluate the association of selected anthropometric, reproductive, lifestyle and socioeconomic class factors on BMD.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among contraceptive users in rural Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. A structured questionnaire was administered for 362 eligible participants. Anthropometric measurements were made, and BMD was measured by ultrasonographic bone densitometry.
Results: Of the participants, aged 20–50 years, 61% were of low socioeconomic level and 47.8% were illiterate. The prevalence of low BMD was 31.8%. Age, low socioeconomic level, BMI, illiteracy, family history, the total duration of breastfeeding and reproduction, total number of pregnancies and decreased intake of food rich in calcium were significant factors according to bivariate analysis. Low BMD was significantly associated with an increase in the duration of depomedroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA) use, low dietary calcium intake, low BMI and an increase in the duration of reproduction according to multivariate regression analysis.
Conclusion: Focusing on improving the bone health of reproductive age females of low socioeconomic levels will improve the outcomes of programs to prevent pre- and postmenopausal osteoporosis.