Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite abundant sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in urban India. However, reports on analyzing Vitamin D status from rural Indian population are scanty. Here, we have evaluated Vitamin D status in patients attending outpatient department (OPD) in a rural Indian hospital setting. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a secondary level rural hospital in patients attending medicine OPD. After obtaining informed consent, demographic information was collected from consecutive adult patients along with 3 ml blood sample for Vitamin D analysis using electro chemiluminescene on cobas elecys E411 fully automated system. Vitamin D levels were compared across various groups by using Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of Vitamin D level. RESULTS: A total of 640 patients were enrolled in the study, and the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was found to be 65.4% with 95% confidence interval of 61.7-69.1%. On univariate analysis, Vitamin D levels were statistically significantly lower among younger age group, those who have dark complexion, wearing Burkha (veil), and those who were not adequately exposed to sunlight. After multiple linear regressions, dark complexion, wearing Burkha, inadequate exposure to sunlight, and presence of diabetes were identified as statistically significant predictors of Vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSION: We report a high prevalence of Vitamin-D deficiency in patients attending medicine OPD. Thus, patients with generalized complaints may be evaluated for serum Vitamin D levels.