Lifestyles and Factors Influencing the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) among Employees in a Community

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate lifestyles and identify factors influencing the bone mineral density (BMD) among employees in a community. METHODS: Data were collected from 199 employees. Their lifestyles and BMIs were measured with a self-report questionnaire. As for their BMDs, their calcanei were measured with Quantitative Ultrasound. RESULTS: Assessing their BMDs with reference to the WHO standards, 52.8% of the subjects' calcaneus BMDs were normal and 44.2% showed osteopenis, 3.0% showed osteoporosis. Age (odds ratio=1.05, p=.029), exercise (odds ratio=.31, p=.006) and the number of eating meals per day (odds ratio=1.97, p=.046) were significant factors influencing the subjects' BMDs. CONCLUSION: Strategies to emphasize exercise and dietary habits in employees are important for improving their bone mineral density. Programs for improving bone mineral density based on life cycle need to be developed.