Factors associated with bone mineral density in adults: a cross-sectional population-based study

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip bone mineral density (biophysical bone health assessment parameter), and sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral, and health condition factors in Brazilian adults. Method: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study performed with individuals of both genders, aged between 20 and 59 (n=701). The dependent variables were evaluated by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. The independent variables were evaluated through a questionnaire, anthropometric evaluation and blood collection. The association between bone mineral density and the independent variables was evaluated by linear regression analysis. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results: Men presented higher bone mineral density than women. Bone mineral density was inversely associated with age range and directly associated with nutritional status in both genders and in the three bone sites analyzed. In addition, 25 Hydroxyvitamin D deficient status among men and contraceptive use among women were associated with lower bone mineral density, and a significant association was only found with lumbar spine bone mineral density in women. Conclusion: The factors associated with bone health among men were age, skin color, nutritional status, and vitamin D status. For women, the associated factors with bone health were age, skin color, nutritional status and contraceptive use.