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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

OiSaeng Hong, PhD, RN¹, David Bauer, MD², Kyung Hee Lee, MS¹, and Ae-Suk Jeong, PhD, RN¹. (1) School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-763-3450, oshong@umich.edu, (2) Department of Emergency Medicine, Crittenton Hospital, 1101 West University, Rochester, MI 48307

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem affecting both women and men, and is a condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fracture. The purposes of this study are to assess the prevalence and determinants of osteoporosis and to evaluate the efficacy of an education program.

METHODS: A total of 179 individuals completed an osteoporosis risk factor survey, and subsequently had bone mineral density (BMD) tests performed. Upon completion of BMD tests, a training session on osteoporosis and its prevention was conducted. BMD was measured at the hip using a GE Lunar DPX-IQ axial densitometer installed in a climate-controlled vehicle. Of all participants, 72% were Korean, and 71% were female. Mean age was 65.2 years. Criteria for osteopenia and osteoporosis established by the World Health Organization were utilized (osteopenic-T-score less than -1.0 but greater than –2.5; osteoporotic-T-scores equal to or less than –2.5).

RESULTS: Over 67.7% had low bone mass as measured by BMD (43.4% with osteopenic scores and 24.3% with osteoporotic scores). Multiple regression was used to identify determinants of BMD. The significant determinants of low BMD were age, body weight, taking medication for osteoporosis, explaining 42.4% of the variance (p<.001). Being older, having lighter body weight, and not taking medication for osteoporosis were associated with high risk of osteoporosis in Chinese and Korean elderly. Education clearly increased participants' awareness of osteoporosis: over 93% reported they would increase physical activity and take calcium supplement. More than 85% indicated they would have bone density screening regularly.

Learning Objectives:

• 1) Recognize the significance of osteoporosis and its risk factors.
• 2) Describe prevalence of osteoporosis among Chinese and Korean-Americans.
• 3) Evaluate the efficacy of education program on osteoporosis.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation