Decreased bone mineral density and fractures in low-income Korean women

Low-income Korean community women were assessed for factors relating to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in order to determine appropriate health promotion programs. Factors associated with decreased BMD were menopause (OR=3.30, p<0.01), menarchal age (OR=2.01, p<0.05), thyroxin (T(4); OR=11.32, p<0.05), age (OR=2.19, p<0.1), marital status (OR=0.56, p<.01), oral contraceptive use (OR=2.18, p<.01), and tubal ligation (OR=3.30, p<0.1). The risk factors for fractures were earlier menarchal age (OR=13.15, p<0.05), urban residency (OR=0.75, p<0.05), and T(4) abnormality (OR=64.29, p<0.1). The beneficial factor for decreased incidence of fractures was physical activity (OR=40.94, p<0.05). The strategy recommended for fracture risk reduction programs is focused on the prevention of both decreased BMD and fractures. Continuous physical activity should be encouraged as well as reduction of risk factors including associated risk behaviors.