Prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency among hospital staff in tertiary care center: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent across all age groups in general population not sparing the health care workers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of VDD among the hospital workers of tertiary care center in Kashmir valley. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 216 apparently healthy subjects were screened for VDD from three groups, group A- minimal sunlight exposure (office employees), group B- moderate sunlight exposure (nursing students) and group C- abundant sunlight exposure (gardeners). Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], PTH levels and urine calcium/creatinine was assessed in all subjects. Dietary assessment of vitamin D (VD) and calcium intake was done using three days dietary recall. The percent body surface area (BSA) exposed to sunshine was estimated by applying the Wallace rule of nine. Results: Serum 25(OH)D level was found to be lower in group A (17.29±10.87) as compare to group B (21.78±16.37) and group C (26.40±15.59). Prevalence of VDD was 71.6%, 70.6% and 50% in group A, group B and group C respectively. VDD was more prevalent in females and risk increased with age and BMI, decreased with duration of daily sunlight exposure, percentage BSA and dietary VD intake. Conclusions: Burden of VDD is high among hospital workers despite their direct contact with healthcare. Strategies should be made to screen them regularly and supplementation of VD should be provided to effectively counteract VDD.