FREQUENCY OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN AGED 3 TO 12 YEARS PRESENTED TO A TEHSIL HEAD QUARTER HOSPITAL DOGAR

frequency of vitamin d 3

Abstract

Abstract:

Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent global health issue, particularly in children, and is associated with various health complications, including poor bone development, rickets, and immune dysfunction¹. This study aims to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children aged 3 to 12 years who present to a tertiary care hospital. A cross-sectional study design was used, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25’OH) D] levels were measured in children meeting the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, necessitating urgent public health interventions. 

KEYWORDS:

Vitamin D Deficiency, Children, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Tertiary Care, Public Health 

1.INTRODUCTION:

Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, and its deficiency in children is associated with growth retardation, rickets, and increased susceptibility to infections (Holick, 2017)². The deficiency of vitamin D has been recognized as a growing public health concern worldwide¹, particularly in developing countries, where sunlight exposure and dietary intake are often insufficient (Munns et al., 2016)⁵. Despite the availability of fortified foods and vitamin D supplements, children remain at risk due to lifestyle changes, reduced outdoor activities, and increased use of sunscreen (Wagner & Greer, 2020)⁹. 

Studies have reported a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children in various regions, but data on its frequency in Tehsil Headquarter Hospital settings remain limited. This study aims to assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among children aged 3 to 12 years presenting to TehsilHeadquarter Hospitalhighlighting its magnitude and potential risk factors. 

2.METRIAL AND METHODS:

2.1Study Design and Setting.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric outpatient department of Tehsil Head quarter hospital Dogarbetween July andDecember 2024. The hospital serves as a referral center, catering to a diverse pediatric population. 

2.2 Study Population and Inclusion Criteria

The study included children aged 3 to 12 years who presented to the hospital for routine check-ups, mild illnesses, or suspected vitamin D deficiency symptoms (e.g., bone pain, muscle weakness, or recurrent infections). Exclusion criteria included children on vitamin D supplements, those with chronic illnesses affecting vitamin D metabolism (e.g., chronic kidney disease, liver disease), and those with malabsorption syndromes. 

2.3 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

A sample size of 400 children was calculated using OpenEpi software, with a confidence interval of 95% and an expected prevalence of 50% based on previous studies (Misra et al., 2008)⁴. A consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. 

2.4 Data Collection and Biochemical Analysis

After obtaining informed consent from parents, demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were drawn to measure serum 25(OH)D levels using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) methods. Vitamin D status was classified as follows (Holick et al., 2011)³.

- Deficient: <20 ng/mL 

-Insufficient: 20–30 ng/mL 

- Sufficient:>30 ng/mL