RESUMO
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a growing problem worldwide and it is associated with a variety of diseases
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in a sun-rich country
Setting: Al Kindi Hospital, Bahrain. Design: A Retrospective Study
Method: Three hundred two patients were included in the study from 1 June 2009 to 28 February 2012
The study included determination of the prevalence and severity of vitamin D and its correlation with age and gender. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software
Result: Three hundred two patients were included in the study. Two hundred six [68.2%] females had 25[OH] D deficiency compared to 26 [8.6%] males. There was a statistically significant difference concerning gender [P-value= 0.014]. One hundred forty-two [48%] patients below 50 years had 25(OH) D deficiency compared to 90 (29.8%) patients above 50 years, P-value= 0.012. Pearson's correlation coefficient suggests a positive correlation as age increases [Pearson's r[2] = 0.180]
Conclusion: Low vitamin D is a growing health problem in Bahrain. Bahraini females had a significantly higher rate of vitamin D deficiency compared to males. We recommend earlier screening in women and young children. People who are at risk should be advised to increase their dietary calcium intake and vitamin D supplementation