@article{ref1,
title="Urban-rural differences in distal forearm fractures: Cohort Norway",
journal="Osteoporosis international",
year="2007",
author="Søgaard, AJ and Gustad, T. K. and Bjertness, Espen and Tell, G. S. and Schei, Berit and Emaus, N. and Meyer, H. E.",
volume="18",
number="8",
pages="1063-1072",
abstract="The prevalence of forearm fractures increased with increasing degree of urbanization for both genders in the population-based study &quot;Cohort Norway&quot; with more than 180,000 participants. The differences were not explained by available risk factors. Prospective studies with information on bone mineral density and falls are warranted. INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to investigate urban-rural gradients in self-reported forearm fractures and assess the contribution of possible explanatory factors. METHODS: &quot;Cohort Norway&quot; comprises ten population-based surveys inviting 309,742 individuals age 20 years and older. All 181,891 participants underwent a standardized examination and answered 50 common questions, including one concerning former forearm fractures. Based on the home-addresses, participants were divided into three population density groups: cities, densely populated areas and sparsely populated areas. Analyses were limited to 149,725 participants 30 years or over with valid information on exposure and outcome. Of these, 21,627 reported having suffered a forearm fracture. RESULTS: The prevalence of forearm fractures increased with increasing degree of urbanization for both genders. After adjustment for age and explanatory factors, the odds ratio of having sustained a forearm fracture in men living in densely populated areas and in cities were 1.12 (95% CI, 1.04-1.21) and 1.38 (95% CI, 1.30-1.46), respectively, compared to rural areas. Similar odds ratios were observed among women. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective studies are needed to verify whether lower bone mineral density, different lifestyle and/or more falls may explain the higher proportion of self-reported forearm fractures found in urban compared to rural areas.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0937-941X",
doi="10.1007/s00198-007-0353-9",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0353-9"
}