Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Predictors in a Country with Thirteen
Months of Sunshine: The Case of School Children in Central
Ethiopia |
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Authors: | Tolassa Wakayo Tefera Belachew Hassan Vatanparast Susan J Whiting |
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Institution: | 1. Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.; 2. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.; Institute for Health & the Environment, UNITED
STATES, |
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Abstract: | Studies examining vitamin D status among children living in sunny climates
indicated that children did not receive adequate vitamin D, however, this has
not been looked at among children living in Ethiopia. In this study, we
determined vitamin D deficiency and its predictors among school children aged
11–18 years, examining circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D 25(OH)D]. The
school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in schools in Adama Town (n =
89) and in rural Adama (n = 85) for a total sample of 174. Students were
randomly selected using multi-stage stratified sampling method from both
settings. Socioeconomic status of parents and demographic, anthropometric, sun
exposure status and blood 25(OH)D levels were obtained. Vitamin D deficiency,
defined as circulating levels of 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L, was found in 42% of
the entire study participants. Prevalence of deficiency was significantly higher
among students in urban setting compared to rural (61.8% vs
21.2%, respectively, p<0.001). After controlling for
potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression model, duration of
exposure to sunlight, amount of body part exposed to sunlight, place of
residence, maternal education, body fatness, having TV/computer at home and
socioeconomic status were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency. The
findings suggest that Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in healthy school
children living both in urban and rural areas of a country with abundant year
round sunshine providing UVB, with the prevalence of deficiency being
significantly higher among urban school children who were less exposed to
sunlight. Behaviour change communication to enhance exposure to ultraviolet
light is critical to prevent vitamin D deficiency in tropical country like
Ethiopia. Further study is required to assess the deleterious effect of its
deficiency on bone mineral homeostasis of growing children in Ethiopia during
their most critical period of bone development. |
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