1. Vitamin D deficiency and associated demographic risk factors in children at a tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi.
- Author
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Abuhamad AY, Almasri N, Al Karaghouli Y, Kadam R, Alhashmi M, Alzaabi E, Deeb A, and Fischer PR
- Abstract
Background: Despite ample sunshine, vitamin D deficiency continues to be prevalent in the Middle East. This pilot study aimed to identify the rate of vitamin D deficiency at a tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi and to identify the associated risk factors in children and adolescents., Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted using electronic medical records of paediatric patients who underwent 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021. Data on age, gender, ethnicity, weight, body mass index and other potential risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in children were recorded. Patients who were already receiving treatment for vitamin D deficiency were excluded. The collected data were analysed using standard statistical methods., Results: Of 26,818 patients under 18 years of age who attended the outpatient clinic, 1519 underwent 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing; 51% were male ( n = 755). After applying the exclusion criteria, 1311 participants were included, 755 (58%) of whom had vitamin D concentrations of ≤50 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in children aged ≥10 years (69%) than in those <10 years of age (53%) ( p < 0.0001). The highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was in those older than 16 years (86%). More females (63%, n = 407) than males (52%, n = 348) were identified as vitamin D-deficient ( p = 0.0001). Vitamin D deficiency was more commonly identified during summer and autumn (59%) than in winter and spring (44%, p < 0.00001)., Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in children seeking medical care in the UAE, especially in girls, older children and adolescents, and during the summer and autumn. Paediatricians should have a low screening threshold for hypovitaminosis D, or widespread supplementation should be considered.
- Published
- 2024
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