Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The role of Vitamin D in bone formation and cardiovascular health could not be overemphasized. Sunlight is one of the principal sources of this vitamin/hormone. However, it’s deficiency has been observed in sunlight affluent areas. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low vitamin D among adults in the tropics (Kano).

Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study. The study population was adults 18 years and above that have consented. Five hundred participants were obtained using multistage sampling. A questionnaire was employed for data collection. The anthropometric measurements were determined. Vitamin D was assayed using ELISA technique.

Results: Females comprised 59.4% of the participants and 44.9±12.7 years was the average age of the study subjects. Among the participants, 10.6% have Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency occurred in 31.3%. The proportion of those with adequate vitamin D was 58.1%. The factors that were significantly associated with Hypovitaminosis D include female gender, Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, increased waist circumference and high parity among females (P<0.05). On multiple logistic regression, female gender P=0.01 (95% C.I 0.337–0.884) was a determinant of Hypovitaminosis D.

Discussion: The findings show that low vitamin D levels are prevalent in the tropics where sunlight is adequate. Research has shown that staying in sunlight comfortable places does not prevent low vitamin D levels; other factors also play a role in determining the adequacy of the vitamin. These include age, skin pigmentation, diet, time and level of sun exposure e.t.c. Women in Kano tend to be at risk of low vitamin D levels because of cultural reasons which prevent them from staying outdoors or covering their body when outside.

Conclusion: The inhabitants of the tropics are at increased risk of low vitamin D in spite of the abundant sunshine.