Preventing fractures in large rural centres: sociodemographic sub-groups at risk of osteoporosis from their lifestyle.
Middle-aged people living in non-metropolitan Victoria have higher hospitalisation rates from osteoporotic fractures than those in metropolitan areas. This may reflect a higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis. One-fifth of Victoria's non-metropolitan population live in 'large rural centres'. The aim of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic sub-groups in a 'large rural centre' at risk of osteoporosis because of their lifestyle. Adults on Ballarat's electoral rolls were invited to complete a questionnaire and have their height and weight measured. A total of 335 eligible people participated in the present study (67% response). The sub-groups at risk of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression analyses. Among women, being single/separated/divorced/widowed was associated with being underweight and having low dietary calcium. A lack of exercise was associated with not completing high school and smoking with being aged 25-44 years. Among men, low dietary calcium was associated with not completing high school and smoking was associated with being employed in a non-professional/non-managerial occupation. These sub-groups must be considered when planning preventative strategies for people in 'large rural centres'.
Peach
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University of Melbourne, Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital, PO Box 577, Ballarat, Victoria 3353, Australia.
Bath
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology