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Bone mass in physicians: a Howard University Hospital pilot study
May O Reyes1, Juanita A Archer, Gail Nunlee-Bland
1Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC 20060, USA.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|March 26, 2004
Summary
A high percentage of physicians have low bone mass, with many under 45. This study highlights the need for further research into bone density in diverse healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Bone health research
- Clinical epidemiology
- Physician wellness
Background:
- Bone mass is crucial for overall health.
- Reduced bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis) affects a significant portion of the population.
- Understanding risk factors in specific professional groups is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bone mass in a cohort of physicians.
- To investigate the relationship between calcium intake, exercise, and bone mass in physicians.
- To identify potential risk factors for reduced bone density in this population.
Main Methods:
- Observational, cross-sectional study of 100 physicians from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine and hips.
- Validated questionnaires assessed daily calcium intake and exercise levels; data analyzed using t-tests, logistic regression, and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- 68% of physicians exhibited low bone mineral density (BMD), including 12% with osteoporosis and 56% with osteopenia.
- Low calcium intake was reported in 71% of participants.
- Inadequate exercise was noted in two-thirds of physicians, with 57% of this subgroup showing decreased BMD.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of physicians in the study demonstrated reduced bone mineral density (BMD), often at a younger age (<45 years).
- No statistically significant correlation was found between BMD and calcium intake or exercise levels in this cohort.
- Further investigation with larger, diverse cohorts of young clinicians and health workers is recommended to establish normative BMD values and identify contributing factors.