Haeyoung Lee

Comparison of Musculoskeletal Characteristics and Bone Mineral Density Related Factors between Male and Female University Students

Purpose: This study is intended to compare musculoskeletal characteristics and Bone Mineral Density (BMD)-related factors between male and female students in a university. Methods: This descriptive study used self-report questionnaires and physical measurements to collect data. Subjects were 64 male and 67 female university students. The questionnaires asked BMD-related factors such as diet, exercise, mental health, and lifestyle. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, x 2 -test, Fishers exact test and correlation analysis. Results: The male group showed better back strength, balance, endurance, physical activity, and musculoskeletal health management than the female group. Depression and smoking rates were higher in the male group than in the female group. No difference was found in diet between the two groups. Conclusion: The results suggest to develop gender-specific strategies to increase BMD in university students.