Bone Mineral Density and Its Associated Factors in Naresuan University Staff

Abstract

It is important to calculate the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis to address the overall magnitude of the problem. This will allow us to predict the socioeconomic impact of these preventable chronic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and to assess the factors relating to osteoporosis in Naresuan University staff. A bone dentsitometer (Panasonic DXA-70) was used to measure the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of the forearm in a hundred and thirty-three university staff members aged 21 to 60. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences in the mean BMD values among the different groups.  BMD relations among variables were evaluated by linear regression analysis using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results revealed that the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 54.1% and 6.8%, respectively. The BMD was not significantly related to any factors. However, 42.3% of the osteopenia group consumed more than 3 cups of coffee per week, 38.5% did not exercise, and 48.1% sometimes drank soft drinks, but 90.4% and 61.5% were neither cigarette smokers nor alcohol drinkers respectively. In addition, there were 48.1% who drank milk or diary products more than 3 times per week. In the osteoporosis group, the results showed that 88.9% did not exercise, 66.7% consumed milk or diary products less than 3 times per week Furthermore, 77.8% sometimes consumed soft drinks. It can be concluded that the contributing factors related to osteopenia and osteoporosis are lack of exercise, insufficient consumption of milk or diary products and regular caffeine intake. Therefore, the university efforts should be placed on health promotion of an adequate supply of calcium and exercise to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.