RESUMEN
Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a common health issue in Pakistan because of its high prevalence. The awareness and practices of doctors treating vitamin D deficiency needs to be highlighted, as it will help in managing this public issue
Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices for diagnosing and treating hypovitaminosis D among practicing doctors in Pakistan
Subjects and Methods: Clinicians from different cities of the Pakistan were participated for a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire based study about their approach in treating vitamin D deficiency. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were calculated
Results: One hundred eighty eight [188] practicing doctors from 21 different cities of Pakistan participated in the study. Majority [85.6%, n=161] prescribed vitamin D levels in patients of hypovitaminosis D. It is empirically treated by 101 [53.7%]. Most clinicians [84%, n=158] prescribe Cholecalciferol, 19 [10.1%] Alfacalcidol and 11 [5.9%] prescribe Calcitriol as a vitamin D supplement, while 155 [82.4%] prescribe a maintenance dose. The prescription form preferred by doctors is tablets by 49 [26.1%], capsule by 29 [15.4%], oral injections by 68 [36.2%] and intra-muscular by 42 [22.3%]. As a follow up tool, 84 [42.6%] clinicians order serum 25 [OH] D and serum calcium levels, 102 [54.3%] assess patients by improvement in clinical symptoms and 3 [1.9%] use both strategies for assessment. Nutritional advice was also given by most doctors
Conclusion: There is no uniform approach for diagnosing and treating hypovitaminosis D among practicing doctors in Pakistan. A great variability and gap is seen in prescription options, dosing frequency and duration. This highlights the importance of need for a national guideline regarding prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency