Relationship between household income & bone density among pharmacy students in UiTM

Osteoporosis is a progressive and silent disease that is usually characterized by decrease in bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. It is a major problem that affecting people worldwide especially in elderly. It is important to know what are the risk factors for osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the relationship between household income and osteoporosis among UiTM pharmacy student. Moreover, this study was also carried out in order to determine what are the other risk factor that influence the bone mineral density (BMD). By using a cross- sectional study, a sample of 340 respondents were asked to fill in the questionnaire that were provided. These questionnaires were basically contained information about demographic factor, lifestyle, diet and supplement intake of the respondent. Moreover, an instrument called Seca height measurement were used to determine the height of the respondent. Next, the BMI and fat distribution of the respondent will be measured by using an instrument called OMROn body composition monitor. Lastly, the calcaneous bone of the respondent were measured in order to obtain the osteoporosis index which will determine the condition of the bone. Correlation between the variables and bone mineral density were measured by using a Spearman correlation test. Chi-square test was used to determine the significant differences oft-score result whether it is normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis. 5 percent level of statistical significance was chosen. From 340 respondents, 64. 7 percent were normal, 31.5 percent were osteopenia and 3.8 percent were osteoporosis. According to the result, there were no significant correlation between household income and osteoporosis {r= -0.043 and p> 0.05).