Bahceci, MithatErtem, MeliksahSaka, GunayGokalp, DenizKaracomak, ZuhreAkdeniz, NurtenTuzcu, Alpaslan2024-04-242024-04-2420061301-2193https://hdl.handle.net/11468/22267Background and aims: Headscarf is a mild kind of veiling, worn for various intentions. We aimed to evaluate effect of veiling, educational status, living area and nutrition on BMD in women over 40 years. Subjects and methods: Four hundred thirty nine moslem women, living in different region (suburb and house provided to workers) of Diyarbakir, aged over 40 years (with mean age 48,9+ 11,3 years) were included to study. The predicted factors influencing BMD were investigated by using a questionnaire. Body weights and heights were measured. BMI was expressed as weight (kilograms) per height (meters) squared. Body fat percent and fat mass were determined by bioelectric impedance. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was determined with radiographic absorptiometry (RA) in three middle fingers. Results: Living in suburban region (p=0.0001), family history of osteoporosis (p<0.002), low education level (p=0.0001), insufficient calcium intake (p<0.001), parity over 4 (p=0.0001), low body height (p=0.0001), veiling (p=0.0001) and low body weight (p< 0.002) and height (p=0.0001) and duration of menopause (p=0.0001) were the factors with negative effects on BMD. Prevalence of osteoporosis was also higher in illiterate women (p=0.0001), women living in slum (p=0.0001), veiled women (p=0.0001), insufficient nutritional status (p< 0.03) and positive family history for osteoporosis (p< 0.002). Conclusions: In addition to well known factors for osteoporosis such as living in slum, illiteracy, high parity number, insuficient nutrition, and duration of menopause; veiling may also be an important factor for low BMD. Veiled women should be screened for low BMD and osteoporosis regularly.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessOsteoporsisLow Bone Mineral DensityVeilingNutritionLiving Area And Educational StatusArticle1036368WOS:000217279800003N/A