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Parity and risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women

Kauppi M, Heliövaara M, Impivaara O, Knekt P, Jula A

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA, 2011

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Hip fracture risk was assessed according to parity among postmenopausal women. Compared with nulliparous women, the fracture risk was lower in women with three or more births.

INTRODUCTION: Parity was assessed for long-term prediction of hip fracture in postmenopausal women.

METHODS: Postmenopausal women (n= 2,028) aged 45 or over with no history of hip fracture were studied. From 1978 to 1980, all of them had participated in a comprehensive health survey based on a nationally representative population sample. Emerging cases of hip fracture were identified from the National Hospital Discharge Register during a follow-up period extending up to 17 years.

RESULTS: The risk of hip fracture was lower among parous women compared with nulliparous women. The model adjusted for age showed a significant inverse association between parity as a continuous variable and the risk of hip fracture [RR = 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.61-0.90] per an increment of one standard deviation (2.4 births). Adjusted for age, menopausal age, level of education, body mass index, vitamin D status, alcohol consumption, smoking history, leisure time physical activity, and self-rated health, the relative risk was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.32-0.79) for women with three or more births and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.55-1.32) for women with one to two births as compared with nulliparous women.

CONCLUSION: Parity, three or more births in particular, predicts a lowered risk of hip fracture in the long run.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.

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