Factors Affecting Bone Mineral Density in the General Adult Female Population in Japan

Abstract

The factors affecting bone mineral density were evaluated in the general adult female population of Shibukawa City, Japan. Bone mineral density at the radius site of the wrist was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. 749 women between the ages of 39 and 52 years were selected from the general population by a complete enumeration method. Age, Body Mass Index, age of menarche, past history of treated chronic disease, symptoms of lower back pain, exercise habits which included any exercise at all, medication for chronic disease, diet and history of dieting, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, menstruation, childbirth, breast-feeding, content of meals which was taken at least once per week, and past history of bone fracture were used to predict bone mineral density compared with the average values for young females. The mean bone mineral density of subjects with no experience of low back pain was significantly lower than that of subjects reporting lower back pain symptoms both at rest and with moving ( p<.05). Body Mass Index was significantly related to bone mineral density ( r = .43, p<.001). Aging, past history of bone fracture, low Body Mass Index, no experience of low back pain at rest, menopause, and no history of dieting were significantly positively associated with bone mineral density using a multiple regression analysis.