PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 16 YEARS AT SUNGROUP INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL IN 2024-2025
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and describe associated factors among children aged 6 months to 16 years attending the Pediatrics - Vaccine Department, SunGroup International Hospital, during 2024-2025.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 120 conveniently selected children. Clinical information, medical history, nutritional and environmental factors were collected, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured at the hospital’s Laboratory Department. Vitamin D status was classified according to the Global Consensus Recommendations (2016). Associations were analyzed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: Among 120 participants, the mean serum vitamin D concentration was 23.7 ± 7.68 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) accounted for 37.7%, insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml) for 46.7%, while only 15.6% of children achieved sufficient levels (≥30 ng/ml). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children aged 6-16 years is 4.88 times higher than that in children aged 6 months to 6 years. Children without vitamin D supplementation were 4.53 times more likely to be deficient than those receiving supplementation. The prevalence of deficiency was higher among exclusively breastfed children compared to those fed formula or mixed feeding. No significant associations were found between vitamin D status and nutritional condition, dyslipidemia, outdoor activity, or screen time.
Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children attending Sun Hospital in 2024-2025 was 37.7%. Deficiency was more common in children aged ≥6 years, those without supplementation, and those exclusively breastfed.
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Keywords
Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Children, 25(OH)D, SunGroup International Hospital
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