Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its correlates: results of a community-based study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Of the 305 premenopausal females in a cross-sectional study in randomly selected communities of Karachi, Pakistan, 90.1 % showed to be vitamin D deficient. Age, town of residence, and housing structure were significant predictors of vitamin D levels. Measures to address D deficiency and its associated long latency effects are urgently needed.

Aims: This study aims to find out the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in community-dwelling premenopausal females in Karachi.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected communities downtown (Saddar) and suburbs (Gulshan and Malir Town) in Karachi, Pakistan. Information related to sociodemographics (age, education, employment, and household income), housing structure, sunlight exposure, and skin pigmentation as well as dietary intake (using a food frequency questionnaire) was collected. Serum vitamins D(3) levels were also measured. Mean and SD was computed for continuous variables and frequency and proportions were computed for categorical variables. Data were further analyzed by Chi-square test and ANOVA. Multiple linear regression analysis was done to find out determinants of vitamin D (VD) levels.

Results: Total of 305 premenopausal females were recruited. Mean age, BMI, and waist circumference of the study participants was 31.97 ± 8 years, 25.06 ± 5.6 kg/m(2), and 88.42 ± 13.3 cm, respectively. Majority of the females were vitamin D deficient (91.50 %) with mean vitamin D levels of 21.77 ± 21.66 nm/L. Mean vitamin D levels were significantly different among females residing in downtown and suburbs. High frequency of vitamin D deficiency was observed in females dwelling in downtown (Saddar). According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, determinants of VD levels were age, town of residence, and housing structure.

Conclusion: High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is seen in females in the community of Karachi, Pakistan. Age, town of residence, and housing structure were the significant predictors of vitamin D levels. Measures to combat the issue of D deficiency and its associated long latency effects are urgently needed.