Relationship between lifestyle factors and bone density among female pharmacy students in UiTM

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis is a serious general issue in Asia, especially in postmenopausal women. Healthy lifestyles has known to improve this issue, however lifestyle behaviours and other factors influencing BMD is still controversial. Identifying the bone health status at younger age is essential in order to prevent osteoporosis in future. Previous studies discussing about BMD status among young women in Malaysia is limited. This study aimed to determine the lifestyle factors that may influence BMD in young women. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 276 female pharmacy students in UiTM were interviewed and a questionnaire was given to gain information regarding their demographic profile and lifestyle habits. Calcaneal BMD was measured using ultrasound bone densitometry. Relationships between BMD and lifestyle factors were evaluated by Spearman's correlation test. A chi-square test was conducted to see significance difference between BMD and desired variables. All tests were two-tailed, and a 5 percent level of statistical significance was chosen. In a total of 276 female pharmacy students, 62.0% of them were normal, 35.10% were osteopenia and 2.90% were osteoporotic. BMD were correlated with body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat and sunlight exposure while there was no correlation between BMD with exercise, physical activity, calcium intake and caffeine intake.