@article {814, title = {Associates of bone mineral density in older African Americans.}, journal = {J Natl Med Assoc}, volume = {96}, year = {2004}, month = {2004 Dec}, pages = {1609-15}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: To assess correlates of bone mineral density (BMD) in older African Americans.

PARTICIPANTS: 189 women and 115 men over age 64.

METHODS: Variables investigated: BMD by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), medications, cardiovascular disease risk factors, demographic, lifestyle factors and functional status. Variables showing univariate correlation with BMD (p < or = 0.1) were entered into sex-stratified linear regression models.

RESULTS: Age range 67-96 (mean 75). The mean BMD (gm/ cm2 +/- standard deviation) is reported for three sites. Total body: 1.03 (+/- 0.12) in women, 1.21 (+/- 0.11) in men. Spine: 1.05 (+/- 0.24) in women, 1.22 (+/- 0.26) in men. Total hip: 0.85 (+/- 0.15) in women, 1.04 (+/- 0.17) in men. Gender was significantly associated with BMD (t-test, p < 0.001). The R2 for tested variables were highly significant only for weight. Age was only significant for total hip in women (p < 0.05). Each kilogram of weight change was associated with a 5.3-6.8 mg/cm2 change in BMD.

CONCLUSIONS: In a population-based cohort of older African Americans, average BMD was significantly greater in men than women. Weight accounted for most of the explained variability (R2) in BMD; age added little to the overall R2. Lower-weight, older African-American men and women are at significantly increased risk for low BMD and, thus, likely to be at greater risk for osteoporotic fracture.

}, keywords = {Aged, Body Weight, Bone Density, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Osteoporosis, Risk Factors}, issn = {0027-9684}, author = {Robbins, John and Hirsch, Calvin and Cauley, Jane} }