Lifestyle questionnaire to evaluate risk for reduced bone mineral density in women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the contribution of various risk factors to quantitative ultrasound parameters in a sample of women, and to develop a tool to assess osteopenia risk, with a view to targeted early intervention.


METHODS
Questionnaire study.


METHODS
A local center comprising a fitness center, conference center, and administrative offices for various businesses and sports.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 187 Caucasian women who volunteered as part of a free public health screening initiative.


METHODS
A questionnaire was designed to collect data on history of osteoporosis, current physical activity, calcium, alcohol and caffeine intakes, smoking, and various reproductive measures. Historical physical activity data were also collected, and lifetime energy expenditure and impact scores were calculated. Quantitative ultrasound was performed on the left calcaneus. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to determine the odds of being osteopenic (T-score < or =-1 SD) against not being osteopenic (T-score >-1SD), due to exposure to the aforementioned risk factors.


RESULTS
: Significant ORs were obtained for age (OR: 1.042; 95% CI: 1.016-1.068), current physical activity (> or =3 times/wk; OR: 0.320; 95% CI: 0.140-0.732), and lifetime energy expenditure score (OR: 0.957; 95% CI: 0.926-0.989). A regression model based on age and current physical activity correctly identified 57% of women with or without osteopenia.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the model we developed was not sensitive or specific enough to assess osteopenic risk accurately, the results show that frequency of physical activity, independent of age, is an important lifestyle factor to consider when quantifying osteopenic risk.
Micklesfield
L K
LK
MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, UCT School of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa. lisam@sports.uct.ac.za
van der Merwe
L
L
Lambert
E V
EV
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D043762:Reproductive Behavior; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography; D044465:White People
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D002118:Calcium