RESUMEN
This work was conducted among three hundred and twenty attendants of the outpatient clinics in Banha University Hospital, with ages >/= 40 years, they were selected by systematic random sampling to clarify the magnitude of osteoporosis and its associated risk factors. Anthropometric measurements were done for each subject including. weight, height and BMI [Wt [Kg] / ht [m[2]]]. Also, bone density was measured using the densitometry, Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] scan for spines, hip and forearm at wrist joint was done for each subject. This research revealed that the prevalence of osteoporosis was 69.4% among the attendants and it increased significantly with increasing age [p<0,001]. Osteoporosis was significantly more prevalent among females [81.2%] than males [45.8%] [p<0.001]. Also, it was more encountered among subjects with low-weight [<60 Kg], height [>170cm] and low BMI [<25 Kg/m[2]]. The results illustrated that the significant life style and dietary risk factors of osteoporosis were: sedentary life, smoking, excessive tea and coffee intake and low milk consumption. Hypertension rheumatoid arthritis, calcium and vitamin D deficiency and using corticosteroids were the medical risk factors associated significantly with osteoporosis [p<0.001]. Late menarche, postmenopausal >/= 5 years and never using hormonal contraceptive or replacement therapy were the significant evident reproductive risk factors among females in this study. There is an association between the prevalence of osteoporosis and sedentary life style, dietary risk factors, medical risk factors and reproductive risk factors. Integrated health education programs with primary health care activities were recommended to increase awareness of adults about the major risk factors of osteoporosis and its important preventive measures