Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate bone density and risk factors related to osteopenia to unmarried young adult women.
METHODS
The subjects consisted of 125 female college students. SPSS 12.0 program was used for the data analysis with t-test, chi-square-test. The BMD of the calcaneus and body mass index (BMI) were measured with peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptionmetry. Other physical characteristics were measured with a scale and questionnaires.
RESULTS
The general characteristics of these people showed that the average age was 22.1 years old and that the average BMI was 20.8. The mean of BMD was normal, but 24.8% were osteopenia, 75.2% were normal. In the normal and osteopenia groups, there were significant differences in the status of the BMD according to age, height, weight, BMI, regular exercise, house chores, and the experiences of being on a diet.
CONCLUSION
Women in their twenties had some osteoporosis risk, but they can change their BMD by doing regular exercise and by eating food to peak bone mass. For building peak bone mass, they need take exercise programs and education programs to prevent osteoporosis and follow-up care.

• Keywords: Osteopenia; Bone density