Citation

Peach HG, Bath NE. Aust. J. Rural Health 2000; 8(6): 299-304.

Affiliation

University of Melbourne, Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital, PO Box 577, Ballarat, Victoria 3353, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Association for Australian Rural Nurses; National Rural Health Alliance, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11894788

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'.

Language: en