Publication: Hypovitaminosis D among Blood Samples of Patients Presenting to the Department of Biochemistry of a Tertiary Care Center
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Hypovitaminosis D is a global public health problem affecting approximately one billion people, with a particularly high prevalence in South Asia. Several hospital-based studies from Nepal show a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. However, large-scale community-based studies are lacking. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among blood samples of patients presenting to the Department of Biochemistry of a tertiary care centre.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among blood samples of patients presenting to the Department of Biochemistry of a tertiary care centre from 3 November 2022 to 30 April 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 136/22). Patients of all age groups and genders who were sent for the evaluation of Vitamin D at the laboratory were included. A convenience sampling technique was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.
Results: Out of 376 patients, hypovitaminosis was seen in 274 (72.87%) (68.38-77.36, 95% Confidence Interval). Vitamin D insufficiency was present in 252 (91.97%) and vitamin D deficiency was present in 22 (8.03%) participants.
Conclusions: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found to be higher than other studies done in similar settings.
Description
Binaya Tamang
Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Buddhi Raj Pokhrel
Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Jharana Shrestha
Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Narayan Gautam
Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Binit Kumar Sharma
Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal