The study was aimed to identify novel correlates which may relate to low bone mass at the lumbar spine in mid-life Asian women.

To identify novel correlations associated with low spinal bone mineral density (BMD) in mid-life women, the researchers measured a large number of lifestyle and medical and performance measurements and developed a prediction model for triage to BMD scanning.

This cross-sectional study involved women (n = 512) aged 45-69 years (mean 57.0 ± 6.3) attending gynaecology clinics for "well woman" visits from 2014 to 2015. Their symptoms, medical history, anthropometry, and physical performance were assessed. Stepwise multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to examine significantly associated covariates for pre-specified outcomes (normal [T-score ≥ -1.0], low bone mass [T-score between -1 and -2.5], and OP [T-score ≤ -2.5] at the lumbar spine). A new screening model (tool) was developed, and its performance was compared to the OP Screening Tool for Asians (OSTA) and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool.

The findings of this study showed a 6.8% Spinal OP. Multivariate analysis found that the most common symptom of chronic joint pain, reported by 37.5% of the women, was significantly associated with OP.