This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of osteopenia and osteoporosis in 40–59 year-old male workers working at nuclear power plants.

Bone density, body composition, and anthropometry data were analyzed for 2,073 subjects were carried out from March 2004 to July, 2004. Educational level, smoking status, drinking status and frequency of physical activity were investigated by self-reported questionnaires through internet to identify lifestyles related to bone mass density. Bone mass density was measured by EXE-3000 of Osteosys Co. and body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio by Inbody 3.0 of Biospace Co.

The prevalence of ostepeniaosteopenia and osteoporosis was 22.8% and 3.0%, respectively. According to multinominal multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, smoking status (current smoker and former smoker), low body mass index (< 25 kg/m2), and frequency of physical activity were significantly associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis wasseemed high for the, when it was inferred from subjects' age compared to the results of previous studies. The This study results suggeststhat it is necessary for 40-59 year-old male workers to stop smoking, and exercise regularly in order to prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis.