Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Children (0-12 Years) in Secondary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study Over One Year Period.

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in study group of children aged 0 to 12 years.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted to identify associations between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels by gender in the study population and to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in the study group of children aged 0 to 12 years visiting secondary care hospital in 1 year between February 2015 and March 2016 in King Khalid Hospital in Majmaah city. Serum 25-OHD, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured.

RESULTS

The median (range) concentrations of 25-OHD were 28.83 in males and 27.02 in females (P = 0.65). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe vitamin D deficiencies among the study population was 38.7%, 45.3%, and 10.7%, respectively. There was no significant correlation of serum 25-OHD, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels was observed with gender in the study population. No gender-based differences were observed in the serum levels of 25-OHD, calcium, phosphorus, or alkaline phosphatase.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent among children aged 0 to 12 years. No significant gender-based differences were found in vitamin D or related biochemical markers. These results emphasize the importance of routine screening and preventive measures in pediatric care.