Association of bmd status with food consumption and lifestyle factors in women

Diminished bone density is a common occurrence among menopausal women which raises their risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures and subsequent complications. 65 million Indian women suffer from osteoporosis and about 23 lakhs are added every year. The more risk factors a women have, higher the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, identification of risk factors is necessary in analyzing this disorder. This study was conducted to analyze the bone density of middle aged women who are in the pre and post-menopausal state. A total of 525 respondents aged between 40-65 years were selected by purposive random sampling. Information on baseline characteristics, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle factors, physical activity were elicited using a well-designed questionnaire. A 24-hour dietary recall was also measured and nutrients were calculated and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Bone density was recorded by using Portable DEXA (p-DEXA) and levels were compared to the WHO standards. Nutrition and Health education was conducted by individual counseling was given to all respondents after the information was collected. The study revealed most of the respondents had attained menopause and were overweight. A majority of them were Osteopenic (322) and a smaller percentage were Osteoporosis (139). The total dietary calcium intake in Osteoporotic (568mg/dl) and Osteopenic (545mg/dl) women was found to be the significantly less than the RDA. Majority of the Osteoporotic and Osteopenic individuals did not indulge in any kind of physical activity. The study proved a significant association between menopausal status, dietary calcium intake and physical activity with bone mineral density.