Abstract
Introduction Due to the increased prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) in women, urgent interventions are needed to reduce the risk of postmenopausal fractures in female OA patients. Moreover, the relationship between OA and OP remains contentious, emphasizing the need for further research to deepen our understanding. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between OA and postmenopausal OP using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using NHANES summary data from 2005 to 2010, 2013 to 2014, and 2017 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between OA and the risk of postmenopausal OP. Adjustments were made for potential confounding factors. Additionally, we conducted stratified analyses, which provided further insights into the association between OA and postmenopausal OP across various subgroups. Results The analysis revealed a significant correlation between OA and an increased risk of postmenopausal OP, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.12 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.17, P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. Stratified analyses revealed a significant association between OA and postmenopausal OP in obese and overweight individuals (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.22, P < 0.001; OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.32, P = 0.008) and among former or current smokers (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08-1.33, P < 0.001). Conclusions The study underscores a significant association between OA and postmenopausal OP, particularly in obese, overweight, and smoking populations. Given the higher prevalence of OA and OP among women, understanding these associations could lead to improved strategies for reducing postmenopausal fracture risks. The study offers valuable insights and potential directions for future therapeutic approaches.