Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and its Awareness and Knowledge Among Parents

Abstract

Introduction: Role of vitamin D in bone related diseases has a long history but mounting scientific evidences now show serious consequences on overall health of children. Despite the close link of vitamin D with child’s health, its inadequacy is not widely recognised as a problem in our population. This study is aimed to find out the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and its awareness among parents. Methods: It is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in paediatric outpatient department of Kathmandu Medical College and Hospital from January to May 2020. Children of one to 15 years were included and 295 samples were taken. A pre-designed questionnaire was given to all participants.Vitamin D3 levels were tested with Chemiluminiscence Immuno Assay (CLIA) technique. The status of vitamin D was defined as deficient if vitamin D3 level less than 50 nmol/l. Results: Vitamin D deficiency were observed in 76.9% and among which 21%, 44.7% and 11.2% were mild, moderate and severe vitamin D deficiency respectively. Vitamin D level was observed significantly higher in males, younger children, those with presence of knowledge of vitamin D and those with adequate sun exposure. On the other hand factors like skin colour, time of exposure and exposed body parts to sun did not influence vitamin D level. Conclusions: This study shows high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children but awareness among parents regarding vitamin D and its deficiency was low.