Bone Mineral Density, Body Mass Index, Stress, and Health Promotion Lifestyle of Female College Students

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), stress, and health promotion lifestyle of female college students and to assess relations among them. METHODS: A total of 220 female college students were assessed through anthropometric measurements and bone mineral density test using quantitative ultrasound. In addition, the subjects were asked about stress and health promotion lifestyle with a self-rating questionnaire. Collected data were processed with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. RESULTS: 1) Of the students, 67.8% had weight control experience. The percentage of the osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal groups were 2.8%, 53.5% and 43.8%, respectively, and the percentage of the underweight, normal and overweight groups according to BMI were 27.9%, 57.2% and 14.9%, respectively. 2) The levels of stress and health promotion lifestyle were 2.9 and 2.3, respectively. 3) There was a positive correlation between BMD and BMI (r=.196, p<.01). There was a negative correlation between stress and health promotion lifestyle (r=-.35, p<.01). 4) Weight control experience made negative effects on BMD and BMI. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest the necessity of new health promotion programs to increase bone density of female college students. Stress management programs are also needed.