Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated forty-four million Americans. Annually 1.5 million fractures, mostly of hip, spine, and wrist, occur as a result of osteoporosis. Estimates suggest that one in two American women and one in four American men over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their life time. The purpose of this study was to examine lifestyle factors that influence bone mineral density status of university employees. The primary goal of this study was to obtain data to identify lifestyle factors that influence bone mineral density in order to develop and implement prevention programs for those at risk for osteoporosis and/or fracture. Methodology: An email was sent to all employees (faculty and staff) inviting them to have a reduced cost bone mineral density (BMD) scan and participate in the present study. Subjects completed a modified NHANES III questionnaire. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to measure bone density of the non-dominant femur and spine. Subjects (N=119) included male (n=12) and female (n=107) employees (faculty or staff). Results: The mean age of the sample was 50.31 + 11.58. Seven percent of the sample had osteoporotic femurs and 20% had osteopenic femur. Three percent had osteoporotic spinal BMD and 14% had osteopenic spinal BMD. This study revealed approximately 28% of the sample having been on a high protein diet, 68% did not get adequate milk as a child, 55% do not currently consume recommended daily calcium servings. In terms of physical activity 89% do not currently engage in weight training and 80% are physically inactive. Only 10% currently smoke with 19% currently living with a smoker. For the female subjects, 24% have never taken oral contraceptives and 8% currently or have taken Depo-Provera in the past. Conclusions: These data are similar to other published data regarding risk factors for low BMD. An intervention program for the university employees focusing on increasing physical activity, including weight training and increasing calcium intake is warranted. The university setting provides an avenue to deliver such interventions. This intervention will be particularly beneficial for those who are at high risk for osteoporosis.
Learning Objectives:
1.Identify risk factors associated with low bone mineral density. 2.Describe necessary intervention components to prevent low bone mineral density.