Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency of Females in Karbala, Iraq, 2017

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health problem in both developed and developing countries. women have higher rate of vitamin D deficiency than men because of inadequate exposure to sunlight and low nutritional intake so put them at risk of many vitamin D deficiency related diseases and have clinical implications for the growth of children and adolescents, for pregnant women and their offspring, and is important for public health authorities. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of vitamin D status of females in Karbala and to identify some risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. This cross-sectional study included 355 female aged 12-30 years in Karbala city. The results showed about two thirds of the females had low level of vitamin D in front of only 13% of them had sufficient vitamin D. There was a statistically significant association between vitamin D level among females conducted in the study and economic status of them, amount of milk taking per week, parity and with the duration of sun exposure. In conclusion, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among females in Holly Karbala City and the sole factors that affect vitamin D level include the following: Economic status, amount of milk taking per week, parity and duration of sun exposure.