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. 2024 Jul 2;16(13):2118.
doi: 10.3390/nu16132118.

Assessment of Vitamin D Status in the Drâa-Tafilalet Population (Morocco) Based on Sociodemographic, Health, and Nutritional Factors

Affiliations

Assessment of Vitamin D Status in the Drâa-Tafilalet Population (Morocco) Based on Sociodemographic, Health, and Nutritional Factors

Fouzia Sebbari et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D status and determine the factors influencing it in the Drâa-Tafilalet community (southeastern Morocco). Sociodemographic factors, health, cognitive status, sun exposure, and nutritional conditions were examined to help us understand their association with vitamin D status. Vitamin D data were gathered through laboratory testing, while demographic and health information was collected through interviews with participants in 2023. The study involved 100 participants aged 60 and above, most of whom were women (85%) rather than men (15%). The majority of participants were Arabs (90%), with a minority being Amazigh (10%). The average vitamin D level was 31.83 ± 10.55 ng/mL, varying based on participants' age, education, and gender. Sun-exposed individuals exhibited significantly higher mean vitamin D levels (33.56 ± 11.99 ng/mL) compared to those with limited sun exposure (28.97 ± 9.28 ng/mL). Moreover, the time spent outdoors, seasonal changes, and the duration of sun exposure affected the levels of vitamin D. These findings depict the vitamin D status of the elderly population of Drâa-Tafilalet, recognized as one of Morocco's poorest regions, shedding light on the significant influencers. Nonetheless, additional research is necessary to explore the correlation between dietary habits, sunlight exposure, and vitamin D levels in both young and elderly populations.

Keywords: Morocco; elderly; sociodemographic and health factors; vitamin D.

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Conflict of interest statement

F.S., B.E.B., F.K., M.B., A.M.S. and A.M. have no conflicts of interest to disclose. The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Status of vitamin D among the elderly of Drâa-Tafilalet by gender.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Variation in hydroxyvitamin D levels depending on the demographic features of participants ((A) gender; (B) ancestral origin, (C) education level; and (D) age categories) (* denotes statistical differences between compared groups at different p-values; * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.005; **** p < 0.001).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Variation in hydroxyvitamin D levels depending on the health status of participants ((A) depression; (B) diseases; (C) hospitalization; and (D) medication).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Level of hydroxyvitamin D among interviewed participants from Drâa-Tafilalet (* denotes statistical similarity at p < 0.05).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Level of hydroxyvitamin D depending on nutritional (A) and body weight (B) status of participants (* denotes statistical difference between compared groups at different p-values; * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.005).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Variation in hydroxyvitamin D level depending on sun exposition (A), type of exposition (B), period of exposition (C), and seasons of exposition (D) (* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01).

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