Sammanfattning
Aims: This paper describes the history, purpose, data collection and contributions in the
research collaboration Norwegian Osteoporosis Epidemiologic Studies (NOREPOS). Methods:
NOREPOS encompasses almost 85,000 bone mineral density measurements within Cohort of Norway
and data on almost 140,000 hip fractures in Norway 1994-2008. Included are anthropometric
measurements, blood pressure, lipids and glucose, and 50 standard questions on sociodemographic
factors, diseases and risk factors. Blood samples/DNA are stored. The main research question posed
in NOREPOS is why hip fracture rates in Norway are the highest in the world. Data on hip fractures
2009-2013 will be added in 2014. Results: Main findings include: Every hour a Norwegian suffers a
hip fracture; hip fracture incidence rates declined after 1999; only 16% of patients used anti-
osteoporosis drugs 1 year after hip fracture; 25% of patients died within 1 year after the fracture; 12%
suffered a new hip fracture within 10 years; rural dwellers had lower hip and forearm fracture
incidence than city dwellers; magnesium in tap water may be protective whereas bacterial
contamination, cadmium and lead may be harmful to bone health; low serum vitamin D and E levels
were associated with higher hip fracture risk; vitamin A was not associated with fracture risk; and
abdominal obesity increased the risk of hip fracture when BMI was accounted for. Conclusions:
NOREPOS encompasses a unique source of information for aetiological research, genetic studies as
well as for biomarkers of osteoporosis and fractures. Because of the increasing number of elderly
people in Europe, hip fractures will continue to pose an international public health and health care
challenge.