Factors associated with calcium, vitamin D supplements intake and use of hormonal replacement therapy in health workers postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To know the frequency and factors associated with the intake of calcium (Ca), vitamin D supplements and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among postmenopausal (PM) health professionals women. METHODS: During January to June 2004, health workers women of IMSS General Hospitals in Tijuana and Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, were invited to participate. An interview and measurement of calcaneous bone mineral density (BMD) were performed. The following variables were assessed: sociodemographic, clinic and gynecologic features. We defined preventive osteoporosis (OP) treatment as the use of HRT, intake of Ca supplements (> or =1000 mg/ day) and supplements of vitamin D for a least six months. RESULTS: Among 739 women interviewed, 312 were PM, and 31%, 25% and 31% have been taking Ca supplements, vitamin D, and HRT respectively. Calcium, vitamin D supplements intake and use of HTR was similar during the menopause evolution. The variables significantly associated with the use of preventive OP treatment were older age, low weight, previous ooferectomy and use of corticosteroids. In the multivariate analysis, age and underweight were significantly associated with a low bone mass density, independently of the use of preventive OP treatment CONCLUSIONS: The frequency and length of time of Ca, vitamin D supplements intake and use of HRT was low, and 50% of PM health professional women are not under preventive OP therapy.