Multifactorial hypovitaminosis D among women in the South-East Oases of Morocco.

UNLABELLED: This study assessed the vitamin D status among women in South-East Oases of Morocco. Two hundred thirty-three healthy volunteer women were recruited at five urban and rural health centers. Hypovitaminosis D is very common in this region and correlated to age, monthly income, skin color, daily sun exposure, BMI, and body fat percentage.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the vitamin D status among women in the Draa-Tafilalet region and its relationship with clinical, anthropometric, and behavioral parameters.

METHODS

The study was carried out with 233 women in consultation at five urban and rural health centers in the South-East region of Morocco. The data collected relate to age, monthly income, educational level, BMI, body fat percentage, daily sun exposure, physical activity level, veil wear, and skin color. The plasma determination of vitamin D was measured by immunofluorescence. Statistical analyses were performed using Python and Jamovi.

RESULTS

The median 25(OH)D plasma concentration was 9.95 ng/mL (IQR: 8-13.18). A total of 50.64% of women had 25(OH)D levels below 10 ng/ml and 47.21% had levels between 10 and 30 ng/mL. Statistical tests showed an association between hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels and age (r =  - 0.139; p = 0.034), monthly income (p = 0.001), BMI (r =  - 0.200; p = 0.002), body fat percentage (r =  - 0.131; p = 0.049), daily sun exposure (r = 0.165; p = 0.012), and skin color (p < 0.001). Binomial logistic regression showed that darker skin was associated with vitamin D deficiency (< 10 ng/mL). It also showed that high income and longer sun exposure could be protecting factors against vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSION

The plasma concentrations of vitamin D in women in the Draa-Tafilalet region were low compared to expected results for a high sunshine time area.