Bone mineral density and its correlative factors investigated in 618 cases of elderly in two districts of Shanghai

Objective To investigate the correlative factors that influence the bone mineral density(BMD) among 618 senior citizens over 60 years old in two districts located in the central area of Shanghai. Methods A questionnaire was conducted face to face between the professionals and the senior citizens over 60 years old in two districts of Shanghai. The ultrasound bone densitometer was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) at the ankle and foot of the subjects. The data were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression. Results BMD of the elderly was found to be significantly associated with age, sex, drinking carbonated beverages, outdoor exercise, taking calcium tablets and history of fracture among the subjects(P<0.05). In addition, decrease of BMD was significantly associated with drinking carbonated beverages among the elderly women (P<0.05)and drinking alcohol among the elderly men(P<0.05). Conclusion The senior citizens in two districts of Shanghai have distinctive regional life styles, therefore, we should not only pay attention to the risk factors of osteoporosis for general elderly such as age, sex, history of fracture, but also encourage senior citizens to take more outdoor exercises and calcium supplements regularly, etc. Particularly, we should advise elderly women to drink less carbonated beverages and elderly men to drink less alcohol.