Vitamin D status in secondary care patients

Abstract EN

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a growing problem worldwide and it is associated with a variety of diseases.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in a sun-rich country.

Setting: Al Kindi Hospital, Bahrain.

Design: A Retrospective Study.

Method: Three hundred two patients were included in the study from 1 June 2009 to 28 February 2012.

The study included determination of the prevalence and severity of vitamin D and its correlation with age and gender.

Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Result: Three hundred two patients were included in the study.

Two hundred six (68.2%) females had 25(OH) D deficiency compared to 26 (8.6%) males.

There was a statistically significant difference concerning gender (P-value= 0.014).

One hundred forty-two (48%) patients below 50 years had 25(OH) D deficiency compared to 90 (29.8%) patients above 50 years, P-value= 0.012.

Pearson’s correlation coefficient suggests a positive correlation as age increases (Pearson’s r2 = 0.180).

Conclusion: Low vitamin D is a growing health problem in Bahrain.

Bahraini females had a significantly higher rate of vitamin D deficiency compared to males.

We recommend earlier screening in women and young children.

People who are at risk should be advised to increase their dietary calcium intake and vitamin D supplementation