Predictors of low bone mass in postmenopausal Japanese women: a questionnaire-based study

Background  The burgeoning costs of nursing care and medical treatment have become a serious problem for Japan, a country with an aging population and declining birthrate. Disease prevention and control of runaway health care costs are two important issues. We are interested in osteoporosis in the elderly. Thus, we aimed to establish predictive factors of low bone mass or fracture in postmenopausal elderly women by means of a simple questionnaire. Methods  Subjects were 107 postmenopausal Japanese women. All data in the present study were collected in 2006. The calcaneus stiffness index (SI) was determined by ultrasound bone densitometry. Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), a marker of bone resorption, was measured. Factors related to bone loss and fracture were investigated by means of a questionnaire and tested by regression analysis and analysis of variance. Results  The SI correlated significantly with age, years since menopause, weight, and the DPD level. Change in body weight did not influence the SI, but lumbar pain, height loss, and stoop did influence the SI. The SI was significantly low in subjects who had already suffered a fracture. Body mass index (BMI) was the strongest predictor of the SI. Conclusion  Low bone mass or fracture may be predicted in part with a simple questionnaire that addresses personal factors related to bone health.