title: Factors that contribute to low bone density in postmenopausal women in different amazonian communities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to verify socioeconomic differences, nutrition, body balance and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) in two Amazonian communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 female volunteers participated in the study. The volunteers were separated into two groups: Villa (n = 20; 53 ± 5.5 years) and City (n = 22; 56 ± 7.9 years). The following evaluation instruments were used: dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); a socioeconomic questionnaire; a QoL questionnaire; a dietary habits questionnaire; and a balance test. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data showed significant differences in socioeconomic level (Δ%=+15.9%, p = 0.000), lumbar spine L(2)-L(4) (Δ% = +0.10%, p = 0.007), balance (Δ% = +4.3%, p = 0.03) and some important aspects of nutrition, such as the consumption of milk (Δ%=+34%, p = 0.01) and alcohol (+14.8%, p = 0.0001). These significant differences also contributed to the total QoL score (Δ%=+76.2%, p = 0.000) and the majority of the QoL-related functions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study verified that socioeconomic level, nutritional status, physical activity levels and QoL can influence the BMD of postmenopausal women. The study suggests new strategies for official health organizations to use in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. In addition, this study can provide an orientation to physical activity, nutrition and medical professionals.
authors.affiliation: São Paulo State University (UNESP)-Júlio de Mesquita Filho, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cláudio Joaquim
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Borba-Pinheiro
authors.forename: Alexandre Janotta
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Drigo
authors.forename: Mauro César Gurgel
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: de Alencar Carvalho
authors.forename: Nádia Souza Lima
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Estélio Henrique Martin
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Dantas