PURPOSE: The frequency of and factors associated with the use of resorptive medications among community-dwelling women age 45 years or older in Minnesota were studied. METHODS: The study was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey mailed to 1700 community-dwelling women age 45 years or older in Minnesota. The survey was designed to collect information about women's attitudes and beliefs regarding osteoporosis and antiresorptive medications. Respondents were also asked to give a detailed list of all prescription medications they currently used, including the quantity and directions for use. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the demographic, health, and medication-use characteristics of all respondents and for the subset of those using resorptive medications. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to test bivariate and multivariate relationships. RESULTS: Of the 990 usable surveys returned (adjusted response rate of 61.1%), 84 respondents (8.5%) reported using a resorptive drug. Age, health status, and the use of health care services (monthly physician visits and prescription use) were associated with resorptive drug use, controlling for other variables in the model. Women using resorptive medications were nearly 2.5 times more likely to report osteoporosis and osteopenia than women not using these medications. CONCLUSION: The use of resorptive medications in community-dwelling women in Minnesota was highest among those 75-84 years of age, women who were in poor health, and those frequently using health care services. These women were more likely to report using newer antiresorptive medications but were not more likely to use hormone therapy or calcium supplementation.