Vitamin Deficiency Among the Elderly Institutionalized Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Deiciency in vitamin D (Vit D) is usually associated with elderly patients. This chapter investigates its prevalence amongst the elderly in long-term care in Qatar. Methodology:The research material included patient chart reviews, electronic data and other evidence-based research papers collated between April 2010 and April 2012. Geriatric patients 65 years and above in healthcare facilities in Qatar were considered as the sample group in this study; its results were analysed and compared, in order of diagnosed Vit D deiciency severity. Results:The total number of patients studied was 889; 66% were female and 34% male, with an average age of 75 ± 8.7 years. The Vit D serum level mean baseline utilized was 24.4 ± 13.5 ng/ml; 72% of patients had Vit D deiciency with 31 and 30% being mildly and moderately deicient, respectively, while approximately 11% were severely deicient. A positive link was identiied between HDL-C and Vit D levels r < 0.17, P < 0.001; however, HbA1c levels showed a negative link with Vit D r < 0.15, P < 0.009. Conclusions:Vit D deiciency was found to be substantially high (72%) among the elderly in Qatar. This low level of Vit D was associated with higher HbA1c and lower HDL-C levels.