RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is gaining increased attention nationally. Recent clinical cases suggest that this condition is a significant problem in local refugee populations. The Sioux Falls Health Department recently implemented a policy of screening and treating all new refugees as part of the new refugee examinations at Falls Community Health Center. METHODS: Data from this screening during the first nine months of 2009 were reviewed and analyzed for prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in this population. Results from a total of 157 individuals were included in this study. RESULTS: Two percent of this population had initial calcidiol levels below the detection threshold. Six percent were severely deficient, defined as <15 ng/mL, and 58 percent were mildly deficient (15-32 ng/mL). Only 36 percent had levels above 32 ng/mL, considered adequate for bone health, with a mere 1 percent showing optimal levels of > 50 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D represents a significant public health issue among recent immigrants in Minnehaha County, S.D., and warrants aggressive attention by both primary care and public health professionals.
