Primary osteoporosis is common, with significant sociomedical consequences. This paper studies the prevalence of risk factors and risk behavior for osteoporosis in women of four different occupational groups: housewives, blue collar workers, white collar workers/civil servants and 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 selected rural communities of Styria (Austria) between 1989 and 1993. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle, health complaints, chronic conditions and utilization 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 stresses. White collar workers/civil servants had the lowest risk with regard to osteoporosis. Our results suggest that efficient intervention programs to prevent osteoporosis need to specifically focus on the different social life styles of women.