Economic and Lifestyle Factors Associated with the Vitamin D Deficiency among the Adult Population of Chandigarh

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a matter of global concern. Various economic and lifestyle factors are associated with Vitamin D deficiency. However, the knowledge regarding the factors associated with Vitamin D deficiency is limited in consideration with the Chandigarh population, especially among adults. Aim and Objective: The present study aims at assessing the association of the Vitamin D deficiency with various economic and lifestyle factors among the adult population of Chandigarh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 individuals of age group 30–70 years by adapting random sampling procedure. Economic and lifestyle particulars were collected using a detailed questionnaire. Vitamin D levels were analyzed using chemiluminescent immunoassay method. Results: The mean value of the Vitamin D level for the deficient, insufficient, and normal categories was reported to be 14.03 ± 3.41 ng/ml, 25 ± 3.16 ng/ml, and 36.96 ± 4.96 ng/ml, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with occupation (P < 0.001), intake of multivitamin (P < 0.05), exposure to sunlight (P < 0.001), and type of food intake (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Working in closed environment, inadequate exposure to sunlight, lack of supplementation of multivitamin, and type of intake of food were possible factors significantly associated with the Vitamin D deficiency.