To determine the prevalence of diagnosed osteoporosis, the extent of treatment use and the incidence of fracture in a representative sample of the French general population.

A cross-sectional epidemiological survey of osteoporosis in 2613 women over 45 years in the general population was conducted using a stratified random sampling method and face-to-face interviews. Information was collected on the diagnosis of osteoporosis, fracture history, treatments, clinical and sociodemographic variables. Variables potentially associated with fracture were evaluated using stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis.

The overall prevalence of diagnosed osteoporosis was 9.7% [8.6%; 10.9%] and prevalence increased linearly with age. Overall, 155 women (61.0%) received osteoporosis treatment and treatment rates also increased with age. The most frequently prescribed treatments were bisphosphonates, in 50.3% of treated women. The treatment duration was over 2 years for 72.9% of treated women. Overall, 115 (45.3%) reported at least one previous fracture. Vertebral fractures were reported by 101 women (39.8%) and limb fractures by 41 women (16.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified fracture before the age of 40, menopause before the age of 40, use of sleeping pills, consultation with an eye specialist and history of cardiovascular disease as variables independently associated with fracture.

Osteoporosis in France appears to be under-diagnosed and under-treated. Awareness and management of risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture could thus be improved.