Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in nurses at the Royal Irrigation Hospital

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency can cause organ dysfunction in the body, especially the bones and affect calcium metabolism. It is the main cause of osteoporosis and may increase the risk of hip fracture later in life. Furthermore, new studies show that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of many chronic illnesses, including common cancers, as well as autoimmune, infectious, and cardiovascular disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency and the factors influencing vitamin D status in relation to serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, for example: daily sun-protective clothing, food and milk intake, sun exposure, sunscreen usage and bone mineral density (BMD). Material and Method: The present study was approved by the ethics committee of the Royal Irrigation Hospital. Blood samples were collected from 217 nurses working at the Royal Irrigation Hospital. Serum 25(OH)D and bone density were measured by HPLC and DEXA, respectively. Drugs intake, lifestyle, and dietary habits were assessed via a questionnaire. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the correlations between factors and vitamin D level were analyzed using Chi-square. Results: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 95.4%. Sunscreen usage was associated with deficiency (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The authors found a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in nurses at the Royal Irrigation Hospital.