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Background: Despite varying serum levels of 25(OH)D among schoolchildren in Ethiopia, data are lacking whether this affects their muscle function as measured by handgrip strength of these children. Handgrip strength may be used as a proxy indicator of muscle strength and function. This study evaluated the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and handgrip strength among schoolchildren in Ethiopia., Methods: The study used a data set from a school-based cross-sectional study conducted on a total of 174 randomly selected schoolchildren from urban (N = 89) and rural (N = 85) settings of Adama Town and Adama Woreda, respectively. Handgrip strength, serum 25(OH)D levels, and anthropometry were measured for each child following standard procedures, while data on demographic characteristics of children and their parents were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A multivariable linear regression model was used to determine the association between serum vitamin D level and handgrip strength after adjusting for other predictors., Results: The mean handgrip muscle strength of the students was 17.6 ± 6.9 kg. The average serum 25(OH)D for the group was 54.5 ± 15.8 nmol/L. On multivariable linear regression model, serum 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with handgrip strength (β = 0.06, P = .008) of the children after controlling for potential confounders. Other variables, female gender (β = -2.20, P = .004), age (β = 1.97, P < .001), height (β = .22, P < .001), weight (β = 0.33, P < .001), and triceps skinfold thickness (β = -0.19, P = .023), were identified to have significant association with handgrip strength of schoolchildren., Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D levels had significant positive association with handgrip strength of Ethiopian schoolchildren. The results imply the need for incorporating school nutrition education on consumption of foods rich in important nutrients including vitamin D-rich foods in the school curricula and also enhancing behavioral change communication toward exposure to sunlight in the school to produce adequate vitamin D. Further longitudinal study involving a larger sample is recommended to confirm the findings.

Studies examining vitamin D status among children living in sunny climates indicated that children did not receive adequate vitamin D, however, this has not been looked at among children living in Ethiopia. In this study, we determined vitamin D deficiency and its predictors among school children aged 11–18 years, examining circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. The school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in schools in Adama Town (n = 89) and in rural Adama (n = 85) for a total sample of 174. Students were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified sampling method from both settings. Socioeconomic status of parents and demographic, anthropometric, sun exposure status and blood 25(OH)D levels were obtained. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as circulating levels of 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L, was found in 42% of the entire study participants. Prevalence of deficiency was significantly higher among students in urban setting compared to rural (61.8% vs 21.2%, respectively, p<0.001). After controlling for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression model, duration of exposure to sunlight, amount of body part exposed to sunlight, place of residence, maternal education, body fatness, having TV/computer at home and socioeconomic status were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency. The findings suggest that Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in healthy school children living both in urban and rural areas of a country with abundant year round sunshine providing UVB, with the prevalence of deficiency being significantly higher among urban school children who were less exposed to sunlight. Behaviour change communication to enhance exposure to ultraviolet light is critical to prevent vitamin D deficiency in tropical country like Ethiopia. Further study is required to assess the deleterious effect of its deficiency on bone mineral homeostasis of growing children in Ethiopia during their most critical period of bone development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]