Does bone mineral density and knowledge influence health-related behaviors of elderly men at risk for osteoporosis?

To determine if bone mineral density (BMD) substantially influences health-related behaviors in men at risk for osteoporosis, we surveyed 102 men who were participating in a study of prostate cancer and bone loss. Subjects included 68 men with prostate cancer, 44 of whom were hypogonadal on androgen deprivation therapy, and 34 healthy age-matched controls without prostate cancer. At least 6 mo after an initial evaluation, assessment of BMD, and osteoporosis information session, men were administered a questionnaire regarding their health-related behaviors. We found that men with osteopenia were 4 times as likely (13%) and men with osteoporosis were more than 10 times as likely (41%) to start taking bisphosphonates compared to men with a normal bone mass (3%. p < 0.0001). Men with low bone mass were more likely to begin taking calcium (p < 0.05) and vitamin D supplements (p < 0.05). Hypogonadal men were 10 times as likely to begin using bisphosphonates (34%) compared to the control group (3%, p < 0.0001) and twice as likely to begin using calcium supplements (57% vs 24%. p < 0.05). Caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, dietary calcium intake, exercise, and smoking habits were not different in men with osteoporosis or those who were hypogonadal compared to controls. We conclude that men with low bone mass and hypogonadism were more likely to start using bisphosphonates, calcium supplements, and vitamin D supplements after having a bone density test. However, they were not more likely to make significant health-related lifestyle changes after obtaining the results of their bone mass.