Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its related factors in AqQala city in 2016

Vitamin D is provided through dietary intake or synthesis in the skin by ultraviolet ray from sunlight. Vitamin D has a significant role in calcium homeostasis and cellular growth and facilitating normal immune system function. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is a particularly important public health in Iran. to The present study aimed at describing the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identifying its related risk factors.
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 healthy individuals from AqQala in Golestan province in Iran. Sociodemographic data, vitamin D and calcium intake and duration of outdoor activities were collected via a brief interview questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and serum level 25 (OH) D3 were measured using ELFA method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software.
High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was common in the studied population. Severe and intermediate vitamin D deficiency in the study population was 12% and 37.5%, respectively. Lower level of vitamin D deficiency was seen in 22% them. Men (81.7%) and women (65.5%) suffered vitamin D deficiency. Mean serum 25-(OH)D was significantly associated with age, sex, and duration of sunlight exposure ;P Vitamin D is highly deficient in Agh Ghala inhabitants; particularly in men. This requires transferring the necessary information to the community and persuading them to improve their life style.