Virtual Workshop on the Multi-Center Osteoporosis Survey of Iran (IMOS)

The Osteoporosis Research Center of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) hosted a virtual workshop on April 12, 2021, focusing on the implementation of the fourth phase of the Multi-Center Osteoporosis Survey of Iran (IMOS). This event saw the participation of key stakeholders, including Dr. Kourosh Etemad, Director General of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Office, health deputies from medical universities, and officials from the Musculoskeletal Disorders Department.

Dr. Etemad emphasized the importance of the IMOS survey, describing it as a pivotal initiative to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis, its risk factors, and outcomes across three prevention levels. He highlighted that Iran, with its aging population, requires robust interventions to mitigate the impact of osteoporosis.

The IMOS survey, initiated in 2001, has evolved through its successive phases, with each interval providing updated insights into the state of bone health in Iran. This extensive research collects a wide range of variables, aiding in the formulation of evidence-based strategies for osteoporosis prevention and management.

Dr. Fatemeh Haj Valizadeh, Head of the Musculoskeletal Disorders Department, stated that this multi-center survey involves 22 medical universities across 8 provinces. She noted the distribution and availability of diagnostic devices, revealing significant shortages in most provinces outside Tehran. Dr. Haj Valizadeh also discussed the ongoing pilot initiative to establish secondary fracture prevention clinics, with plans to expand them nationwide to enhance diagnosis, prevention, and treatment services.

Dr. Noushin Fahimfar, Research Vice-Chancellor at the Osteoporosis Research Center, emphasized the methodological advancements in the fourth phase of IMOS, including risk-based stratification for regional analysis. This approach allows for more precise data collection and targeted interventions across the country.

The workshop underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address osteoporosis as a growing public health challenge, ensuring effective prevention and treatment strategies are accessible to all regions of the country.