Osteoporosis in Women: Practical Strategies for Effective Policymaking

Abstract

Osteoporosis, as one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, has become a serious public health challenge, especially in women. It affects the quality of life of millions of women and imposes a heavy financial burden on the health system and families annually. This policy brief, by comprehensively reviewing the challenges and existing solutions, proposes four main intervention strategies: 1) self-care education in health centers as a rapid and low-cost solution, 2) financial support for medication and diagnostic tests as a medium-term policy, 3) extensive public awareness campaigns through media, and 4) family empowerment as a long-term strategy. The combined implementation of these strategies with appropriate prioritization can serve as a targeted approach for managing osteoporosis in women and preventing related fractures. Purposeful implementation of the program, besides preserving women's health, can prevent the annual imposition of heavy treatment costs on the healthcare system. Inter-sectoral coordination (Ministry of Health, Insurance Organization, media, and NGOs) and attention to the cultural context of Iranian society play a key role in the success of this program. It is suggested that a special working group be formed under the direct responsibility of the Deputy Health Minister of the Ministry of Health to oversee the implementation of these policies. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.