Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved

Objective. Little is known about prevalence of osteoporosis risk factors among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN). Methods. We included AIAN people (n=8,039) enrolled in the Education and Research Towards Health (EARTH) Study. Prevalence ratios were used to determine cross-sectional associations of risk factors with self-reported bone fractures. Results. There is a high prevalence of multiple risk factors for osteoporosis in AIAN, although the factors that are associated with past fracture vary by gender and geographical area. In general, women who reported a fracture reported more risk behaviors, more than two medical conditions, and low physical activity. Men with higher BMI were less likely to report a fracture. Smoking history was associated with fracture for both genders, though not significantly in all sub-groups. Conclusion. We prevent a high prevalence of risk factors for osteoporosis for AIAN. Future research for osteoporosis risk reduction and prevention in AIAN people is indicated.