The serum level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D and factors affecting its level among students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2015

Vitamin D deficiency is an important and common health problem in developed and developing countries. Due to variations in factors associated with vitamin D level, including sun exposure and amount of dietary intake of vitamin D, status of vitamin D levels in the people is quite different in different communities. The aim of this study was to determine the serum level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D and factors affecting its level among students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. 171 students entered into this cross sectional study by systematic random sampling. All participants completed our questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, medical history, medications, dietary intake of vitamin D, and coverage status and exposure to the sunlight. Serum samples were taken to measure vitamin D levels in the participants. Also, their weight and height were measured using standard methods. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, t- test, Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. 46.2% of the participants were male and 53.8% were female. The mean vitamin D level was 18.9± 7.02 nmol/l. Considering 25 OHD≤ 30 nmol/l as vitamin D deficiency the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, in all subjects was 96.5 % (97.5% in males and 95/7% in females). BMI, dietary intake of vitamin D, exposure to the sunlight, and coverage status showed no statistically significant relationship with vitamin D level status (P > 0/05). Considering high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the study population, it seems that preventive interventions and treatments and training programs are necessary.