Objective: Forearm fractures are a major cause of disability in postmenopausal women, but the risk factors have not been previously studied in China and the results from Western studies may not be applicable to the Chinese population. The aim of this study was to determine whether calcium intake, activity level, lifestyle, and other factors are associated with risk of forearm fracture among Chinese postmenopausal women.
Design: In this case-control study, the authors used a structured questionnaire to assess potential risk factors in 209 postmenopausal women 50 to 70 years old with new forearm fractures identified in eight hospitals in Chengdu and in age and location of residence-matched control subjects randomly selected from the community.
Results: Adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) were as follows: each quintile increase in current energy intake 0.46 (0.36, 0.60); fifth quintile energy-adjusted current calcium intake versus lowest quintile, 0.17 (0.06, 0.47); eating bean products when 30 to 49 years old, 0.15 (0.05, 0.47); eating meat, 0.13 (0.02, 0.74) and eating pork ribs, 0.37 (0.17, 0.83) when 16 to 29 years old; greater past activity, 0.78 (0.68, 0.89) and present activity, 0.84 (0.74-0.96); greater height (per centimeter), 1.12 (1.06, 1.20); each year irregular menses before menopause, 1.25 (1.04, 1.49); each floor of residence, 1.71 (1.38, 2.12); and prior fracture in first- or second-degree relatives, 2.74 (1.08, 6.92).
Conclusion: Some risk factors for forearm fractures were similar to those described in white women, whereas others were specific to this ethnic setting, and would need to be considered in future preventive programs.