Frequency of Vitamin-D Deficiency in Female Health Care Workers of Child Bearing Age

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy female health care workers of child bearing age.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Services Hospital, Lahore from 1^st July 2014 to 31^st December 2014.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred seventy healthy female doctors and nurses were recruited by random consecutive sampling. 25(OH) vitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured, and effects of different variables were noted on vitamin D level.

Results: Three subjects out of 270 were excluded because of abnormal PTH levels. Median age was 28±4 years. Mean value of 25(OH) vitamin D was found to be 13.94±6.91. 254 (95.13%) were found to be deficient in vitamin D. Significant correlation was found between vitamin D deficiency and use of veil, obesity/malnutrition, married females, fish intake and lack of sun exposure.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency has very high prevalence even in educated and relatively higher socioeconomic groups, even those having enough medical knowledge about its pathophysiology and effects.