Vitamin D status in medical staff in a German university hospital in comparison to wasteworkers in Northern and its association to quality of life: a prospective four-arm cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D (25(OH) D) deficiency has a high prevalence in adults in Germany. Due to workplace conditions, hospital staff might be particularly at high risk. Therefore, we determined the 25(OH) D status of medical staff in regard to their field of activity compared to a group of outdoor workers with a focus on quality of life (QoL) and 25(OH)D associated risk factors.

METHODS

25(OH) D was measured in February (winter) and September (late summer) 2021 in medical staff of a university hospital in northern Germany (inpatient vs. surgical vs. administrative workers), and in a group of outdoor waste collectors. QoL (SF-36 questionnaire), and potential factors influencing 25(OH)D-status were collected.

RESULTS

For n = 108 participants 25(OH)D was obtained at both time points. In February, mean 25(OH)D was 40.02nmo/l (SD 21.78). In September, mean 25(OH) D increased significantly to 68.25 nmol (SD 20.75). A significant positive association between 25(OH) D and age (p = 0.036), and with work experience (p = 0.036) was detected in February. In September, food supplement substitution and previous traveling were associated with significantly higher serum 25-(OH)D level. There was no difference between the fields of activity, nor an association between 25(OH)D status and QoL.

CONCLUSION

Despite the expertise of medical staff, data seems to indicate an inadequate 25(OH)D supply among most medical staff and even outdoor workers, which is significantly more pronounced in winter. In addition to healthy sun seeking and eating habits, occupational health physician coordinated educational work and/or Vitamin D supplementation could be adequate interventions to optimize vitamin D supply.