Peak bone mass as measured by phalangeal bone mineral density and its association with nutritional status, socioeconomic status and physical activity: A community based-cross-sectional study in Galle district

Abstract

Current knowledge on bone mineral density (BMD) changes during adolescence is based on the studies done in Western populations. Obvious differences in determinants of bone health between Asians and Europeans would not allow such a comparison. Knowledge of the age in which BMD attains its peak is important in planning health promotional activities in a country. Current recommendations on bone health in Sri Lanka are based on studies conducted in Western populations but geographical variations in BMD accrual would limit such an application. This project examines phalangeal BMD (pBMD) in subjects selected from the Galle district to ascertain the timing of BMD peak and its associations with nutritional status, socioeconomic status and physical activity, in a cross-sectional manner. The age at which the peak phalangeal BMD is achieved was determined in 657 healthy men and women, aged between 20-49 years, selected by stratified randomization from the Galle District. The peak phalangeal BMD was seen in men and women between 30-39 years. Females of this age group (i.e. 30-39 years, n=582) were further studied to examine the associations of their bone mineral density and bone mineral content (BMC)with anthropometry, physical activity (currentand past), socioeconomic status, dietary intake and biochemical markers of bone health.