Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Children Visiting King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a widespread issue, especially in Saudi Arabia, with implications for various health conditions. The study aimed to evaluate VDD's prevalence and associated factors among children visiting King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to inform public health strategies. Methods: Employing a retrospective study design, medical records from 391 pediatric patients aged 1-14 who visited KKUH from April 2023 to October 2023 were analyzed for vitamin D levels, demographic data, comorbidities, and supplementation status. Based on established thresholds, vitamin D levels were categorized into normal, insufficiency, and deficiency. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, assessed the association between vitamin D levels and independent variables. Results: Out of the 391 subjects, 56.8% had normal vitamin D levels, 17.6\% were deficient, and 25.6\% were insufficient. Treatment or prophylaxis was reported in 75.2% of those with normal levels. The prevalence of VDD was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.635) but was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001), with higher deficiency rates observed in older children (10-14 years). Most children (84.4%) were asymptomatic, while specific symptoms like bone ache and fatigue were less commonly reported. Conclusions: The study highlighted a substantial prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among children in a Saudi Arabian tertiary care setting, with age identified as a significant correlate. These findings emphasize the need for regular screening and targeted vitamin D supplementation strategies in pediatric healthcare practice to mitigate the risks associated with VDD.