Frequency of Vitamin D Deficiency in Elderly Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital in a Low Income Country

Abstract

The Elderly population is increasing globally. . Lack of economic independence, low savings of the elderly, weak pension system, makes seeking health care difficult for the elderly. The poor quality of their diet and lack of access to fortified food leads to Vitamin D deficiency. This is a health concern for the elderly globally. To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients visiting tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Cross sectional study. All adult patients of either gender > 50 years of age were included in the study from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. Nonprobability consecutive sampling technique was used. After selection of patients per criterion, informed consent was obtained, designed proforma regarding demographic,: weight, height, profession and socioeconomic details were filled and blood samples were taken for vitamin D levels .. Diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was considered when serum 25 (OH)D levels were below 20 ng/ml. We enrolled 237 patients from the tertiary care hospital in Karachi. 177 (74.7 %) were found to be vitamin D deficient, most prevalent in 56–60 years age group, however, Vitamin D deficiency was higher in severity (cut off value < 15 ng/ml) lower socioeconomic group, who stayed indoors, also noticeably in females who observed veil (p < 0.01). Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Pakistan’s elderly and thus emphasizing on the need for regular screening and effective management of the disorder. There is a need to take immediate measures to tackle this growing public health problem.