Prevalence and Predictors of Hypovitaminosis D Among Female University Students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

摘要

Background:A high hypovitaminosis D prevalence has repeatedly been reported in Middle Eastern countries. Previous data regarding the vitamin D status of young women in Saudi Arabia and the related hypovitaminosis D risk factors are scarce, so this research assessed hypovitaminosis D prevalence and its risk factors among apparently healthy female university students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.Methods:This cross-sectional research used a convenience sample of healthy female students (n?=?180) aged between 19 and 25?years in May 2016. Information was gathered on the participants’ sociodemographics, health, lifestyle, dietary intakes, anthropometry, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and a logistic regression analysis was performed to assess hypovitaminosis D risk factors.Results:The sample’s hypovitaminosis D prevalence (25(OH)D <30?ng/mL) was 80.6%. The main determinants of hypovitaminosis D were as follows: urban residence (odds ratio [OR]?=?6.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.74-5.63), rare sun exposure (OR?=?6.14; 95% CI, 2.15-17.55), and insufficient vitamin D intake (OR?=?2.50; 95% CI, 1.07-5.81).Conclusions:The findings emphasize that despite plentiful sunshine, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East face a vitamin D deficiency epidemic. Vitamin D status must therefore be assessed at the national level so that strategies aimed at boosting vitamin D levels can be instigated.