Factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in Erbil, Iraq: A statistical investigation

Abstract

Summary: Background & Aims: Scientific evidence supports vitamin D's ability to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases, and its physiological importance extends to calcium balance and bone health. This study aimed to find the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in Erbil, Iraq. Methods: For the study, data was gathered through a questionnaire in some private laboratories in Erbil, Iraq, between October 2020 and October 2021. Three sections make up the study: questions about demographics, questions regarding vitamin D, and questions about the effects of vitamin D insufficiency on the human body. Descriptive statistics, an independent sample test, a chi square test, a one-way ANOVA, and factor analysis were utilized to determine vitamin D deficiency using SPSS Version 28. Results: The core findings demonstrated that while the mean vitamin D measurement for smokers was greater than for non-smokers, the mean vitamin D measurement for outside house sun exposure was higher than inside house sun exposure. People believe that low vitamin D levels are to blame for their tooth loss, Alzheimer's disease, weight gain, and dizziness, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and well-being. It reveals that factors such as smoking and outdoor sun exposure are associated with varying vitamin D levels. Additionally, public perceptions link low vitamin D levels to conditions like tooth loss, Alzheimer's disease, weight gain, and dizziness. This underscores the importance of addressing vitamin D deficiency as a potential preventive measure against various health issues in the population of Erbil, Iraq.

Keywords

• Vitamin D deficiency
• eating fish
• sun exposure
• smoking cigarette
• sun cream
• sleep