Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and associated risk factors among General Populations in Duhok province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract

Objectives:  This study aimed to determine the serum levels of 25(OH) D3 and associated risk factors in Duhok province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.  Methods: A cross- sectional study was performed from January 2019 to September 2019 among the general population in Dohuk and Zakho cities. 1143 of subjects were recruited in this study and aged ranged from 9 months to 86 years old (36.31± 17.61). Serum 25(OH) D3 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.   Results: Of 1143 subjects, 229 (44.9%) people were suffered from vitamin D deficiency in Duhok city and 241(38.19%) from Zakho city. There was significant difference between the incidence of vitamin D in both cities (p<0.067). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 152 (37.8%) in male and 318 (43.03%) in females. There was no significantly associated with low level of vitamin D between genders (p<0.133). The low level of Vitamin D was more frequently found in age group between 20-40 years old (46.23%), with sufficient differences between age group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is much predominant in Duhok province, younger adults and female population. Our finding also found that the low level of vitamin D deficiency in older people. Further studies are required to investigate the pathophysiology of hypovitaminosis D and its clinical consequences.