RESUMO
@#Introduction: This study reports the vitamin D status of Filipino adults in selected areas in the Philippines and determinants of deficiency, based on the 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS). Methods: The NNS collected blood samples from all members aged ≥20 years from selected households of the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu and Davao del Sur. Serum vitamin D was determined by electrochemiluminescence assay. Data on age, sunscreen use, intake of supplement were collected. Body mass index was calculated. Results: The overall prevalence of combined vitamin D deficiency (<50 umol/L) and insufficiency (51-75 umol/L) was 48.7%, and was highest in the NCR (54.1%) and lowest in Davao del Sur (28.9%). Adults in NCR were more likely to have vitamin D insufficiency compared with those in Cebu (OR=0.59) and Davao (OR=0.30). Females had higher prevalence (62.5%) of vitamin D insufficiency than males (32.1%). Higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was observed among 20-39 y (55.5%) and lowest among ≥60 y (38.1%). The younger adults (20-39 y) were more likely to have vitamin D insufficiency compared to 40-59 y (OR=0.63) and the ≥60 y (OR=0.43). Among sunscreen users aged 20-39 y and 40-59 y in Cebu and Davao del Sur, mean vitamin D levels were significantly lower than non-sunscreen users. Conclusion: The 2013 NNS revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among Filipino adults. Gender, age, and area of residence were significant determinants of vitamin D insufficiency. Determining the vitamin D status is crucial in crafting interventions for its prevention and control.
RESUMO
@#Introduction: The health and nutrition of a country's workforce plays an effective role in the social health and economic status of its society. Methods: This study determined the food intake, nutritional and health status of 69,505 Filipino adults and their households according to occupations using the 8th National Nutrition Survey conducted in 2013 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Occupational grouping was based on the 1992 Philippine Standard Occupation Code. Descriptive statistics such as mean and percentages were generated using the survey module (svy) of Stata 12.0. Results: Chronic Energy Deficiency and anaemia were highest among adults with no occupation (12.3% and 14.8% respectively) and lowest among officials (4.3%) and those with special occupations (4.5%). Overweight, hypertension, high fasting blood sugar and high total cholesterol levels were highest among officials and lowest among farmers and professionals. Farmers had the highest percentage of smokers, alcoholic drinkers and with high physical activity level, while adults with no occupation had the lowest physical activity level. Households headed by special occupation groups had the highest energy intake, while farmers had the lowest protein, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and fat intakes. Crafts and related trade workers had the lowest percentage of households meeting the energy requirement (27.4%). Conclusion: The food intake, nutrition and health status of Filipino workers in certain occupations were poor, in need of improvement. A national policy on addressing the health, nutrition and welfare of workers is recommended.