Factors associated with low vitamin D status among older adults in Kuwait

ALbuloshi, T., Kamel, A. M. and Spencer, J. P. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2931-7274 (2022) Factors associated with low vitamin D status among older adults in Kuwait. Nutrients, 14 (16). 3342. ISSN 2072-6643 doi: 10.3390/nu14163342

Abstract/Summary

Low vitamin D levels among older people represent a significant health problem worldwide. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in older people (aged ≥ 65) in the Kuwaiti population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven primary healthcare centers across Kuwait (November 2020 to June 2021). The participants (n = 237) had their serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations (analyzed using LC-MS) classified as sufficiency 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL) or deficiency < 75 nmol/L (below 30 ng/mL). The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with participants in geriatric clinics. Binomial logistic regression analysis was applied to assess factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be present in two thirds of the participants (n = 150, 63%), with a higher prevalence of deficiency in participants who did not receive vitamin D supplements, compared to those who did (84% vs. 16%, p = 0.001). The results from the binary logistic regression showed that a low duration of sun exposure (OR = 0.24, 95% C.I. [0.08-0.7], p = 0.011), dark skin pigmentation (OR = 4.46, 95% [1.35-20.49], p = 0.026), and lower caloric intake (OR = 0.9, 95% C.I. [0.85-0.96], p = 0.001) were risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, a significant inverse relationship was found between vitamin D levels and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (OR = 1.16, 95% C.I. [1.04-1.31], p = 0.016). These findings support the recommendation that vitamin D supplementation and adequate sunlight exposure are necessary for raising low vitamin D levels in older people in Kuwait.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-pure-test.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/107533
Identification Number/DOI	10.3390/nu14163342
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences Central Services
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