Epidemiological study of Vitamin D deficiency among Libyan patients

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is not only common globally but is more rampant in Libya. Assessment and management of it can help prevent many other conditions and serious diseases. Objective: This stuay aimed to study the prevalence of VDD among patients attending private clinics in Zawia city of Libya. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out among 71 apparently healthy patients from different private clinics laboratory, Zawia city, Libya. After obtaining informed consent and confirming the willingness of the patients to give the blood samples, the data were recorded in the pre-designed, pre-tested, and semi-structured study questionnaire. Variables such as age and sex were recorded. Vitamin D status was ascertained for all included participants in the present study. Results: Female participants were more than male participants in the present study (63.4% vs. 36.6%). Majority (45.1%) belonged to the age group of 41–64 years followed by 1–18 years of age (39.4%). The mean value of Vitamin D among females (19.8 ± 2 nmol/L) was significantly lower when compared to males (25.7 ± 3 nmol/L). The mean value of Vitamin D was significantly lower in the age group of 41–64 years and more than 64 years of age compared to 1–40 years of age (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of VDD was more in females compared to males. The values decreased with increasing age.

Keywords

• 25(oh) vitamin d
• sunlight
• vitamin d deficiency