Hypovitaminosis D: Association of Clinical Disease with Risk Factors and Attributes in Adult Patients

Abstract

Objective: To find the causes of hypovitaminosis D, and its association with different risk factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Rehman Medical Institute Peshawar from May 2017 to April 2018.

Materials and Methods: Four hundred participants between 13-90 years were included. Those with chronic renal disease, hepatic disease, rheumatologic disease and those patients who were bed-ridden and hospitalized were also excluded.

Results: There were 128 (32%) males while 272 (68%) were females. 78% of the participants had hypovitaminosis D, most of them didn’t get enough sunlight exposure due to indoor activities (74.50%), or were observing parda (55.3%). A positive correlation was seen between vitamin D levels and nature of job (r=0.48, p<0.05), sun exposure (r=0.65, p<0.001), egg consumption (r= +0.312, p<0.01) and fish intake (r= +0.306, p<0.05) in diet. However, no significant correlation was seen between vitamin D levels and milk intake (r= +0.03, p>0.05) and gender (r=0.094, >0.05).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is also an important issue of Pakistani population, which needs to be dealt with appropriate steps.