Comparison between 60 matched pairs of postmenopausal black and white women: Analysis of risk factors related to bone mineral density

• Published in: Maturitas Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 356 - 363
• Main Authors: Wallace, Lorraine Silver, Ballard, Joyce E., Holiday, David B., Wells, Henry E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.11.2005
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; African Americans; Aged; Body Mass Index; Bone and Bones - radiation effects; Bone Density - physiology; Bone mineral density; European Continental Ancestry Group; Health behavior; Humans; Life Style; Logistic Models; Matched-Pair Analysis; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - ethnology; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - physiopathology; Postmenopause; Risk Factors; Skinfold Thickness; Surveys and Questionnaires; Texas - epidemiology; Women; Texas; Women; Postmenopause; Osteoporosis; Bone mineral density; Health behavior
• ISSN: 0378-5122; 1873-4111
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2005.06.006

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease in which bone density is reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased vulnerability to fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare known or suspected risk factors (medical, gynecological, and lifestyle characteristics) related to bone loss between 60 matched pairs of black and white postmenopausal women. The two racial groups were matched one for one on selective anthropometric variables [age (years), standing height (cm), and body weight (kg)] in order to equate age and body size between groups. Information on risk factors was obtained from an orally administered questionnaire and body composition variables (in addition to those used for matching) assessed by anthropometry and total body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Four skinfold sites (chest, triceps, mid-axillary, and abdomen) were measured with Harpendon calipers and four body circumferences (chest, forearm contracted, waist, and gluteal) were assessed with a Gulick tape. DXA radius, spine, femur, and whole body measurements were obtained on a Hologic QDR-2000 with software version 7.20. White women reported significantly higher proportions of alcohol use, family history of broken bones, and a greater utilization of hormones, calcium and vitamins than did black women. Black women reported a greater numbers who had other diseases (i.e., overactive thyroid, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or kidney stones). Although age and body weight were similar in both groups, black women had greater lean tissue and less body fat than white women. Blacks had significantly higher bone mineral density across all body sites with the exception of the mid- and ultra-distal radius. On the basis of these data, it was concluded that part of the difference often observed in bone density between black and white postmenopausal women might be due to lifestyle factors.