Bone Health and its association with Physical Activity among Staff at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine

Abstract

   Background: Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue, particularly in high-risk groups such as office workers. This study aimed to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and evaluate its association with physical activity and sedentary time among staff at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (PNTU).

   Subjects: The study was conducted on 391 staff members at PNTU, including 130 males and 261 females, aged 23–69 years.

   Methods: BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) with the HOLOGIC HORIZON system. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Risk factors such as age, sex, diet, physical activity, and medical history were collected via a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using R software, including descriptive statistics, BMD assessment by age and sex, and linear regression to evaluate associations between BMD, physical activity, and sedentary time.

   Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis and low BMD was 6.8% and 3.5%, respectively, with females showing a lower prevalence than males. The rate of non-traumatic fractures was 2.3%. Key risk factors included a family history of fractures, alcohol consumption, inadequate calcium-vitamin D intake, and obesity. Females exhibited significantly lower physical activity duration and energy expenditure (1,920 vs. 3,280 MET-min/week) compared to males, while sedentary time was similar between sexes. No statistically significant differences were found in physical activity or sedentary time across BMD or age groups. Linear regression analysis revealed a statistically and clinically significant positive association between physical activity duration, energy expenditure, and BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine (p<0.05). However, no significant associations were observed between BMD and physical activity or sedentary time across subgroups.

   Conclusion: The study recorded osteoporosis and low BMD prevalence rates of 6.8% and 3.5%, respectively, with a positive association between physical activity and BMD. The study population exhibited relatively good bone health, despite low calcium-vitamin D intake and high alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that, alongside increasing physical activity, additional lifestyle interventions are needed to prevent osteoporosis.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.4.3.21