Preventing fractures in large rural centres: sociodemographic sub-groups at risk of osteoporosis from their lifestyle.

Abstract

Middle-aged people living in non-metropolitan Victoria have higher hospitalisation rates from osteoporotic fractures than those in metropolitan areas. This may reflect a higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis. One-fifth of Victoria’s non-metropolitan population live in ‘large rural centres’. The aim of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic sub-groups in a ‘large rural centre’ at risk of osteoporosis because of their lifestyle. Adults on Ballarat’s electoral rolls were invited to complete a questionnaire and have their height and weight measured. A total of 335 eligible people participated in the present study (67% response). The sub-groups at risk of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression analyses. Among women, being single/separated/divorced/ widowed was associated with being underweight and having low dietary calcium. A lack of exercise was associated with not completing high school and smoking with being aged 25–44 years. Among men, low dietary calcium was associated with not completing high school and smoking was associated with being employed in a non-professional/ non-managerial occupation. These sub-groups must be considered when planning preventative strategies for people in ‘large rural centres’.