Prevalence and selected predictors of vitamin D deficiency, and among children and adolescents attending primary health care centers: A cross-sectional record-based study, Qatar 2018-2019.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health concern with potential implications for bone health and overall well-being. A comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and influencing factors in the pediatric population is crucial for informed healthcare interventions. Aim/Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children and adolescents (<18 years old) who attended primary health care centers in the state of Qatar during the period from 2018 to 2019. Methodology: A cross-sectional study based on data extracted from the electronic medical records (EMR) in the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). Results: A total of 48,947 electronic medical records of individuals <18 years old were eligible for analysis (by having at least one valid serum vitamin D test result in the EMR). A severe form of vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum level (<10 ng/ml). For participants without a documented vitamin D replacement therapy, children aged 1-4 years and infants <1 year old exhibited the lowest rates of severe vitamin D deficiency (3.4% and 3.8%, respectively). This deficiency rate gradually escalated with age, peaking at 40% among teenagers aged 10-17 years. Notably, males showcased a lower rate of severe vitamin D deficiency (15.3%) compared to females (30.4%). Age, gender and nationality were among the top three factors that predicts a severe form of vitamin D deficiency. Teenagers (10-17 years old) exhibited a 17-fold increase in risk of deficiency compared to preschool age (<5 years old), after adjusting for confounding variables. Female gender showed a 2.4-fold increase in risk, and Southern Asia nationality had a 5.7-fold increase compared to other nationalities, when accounting for other variables. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among older children and adolescents in primary health care centers. A holistic approach encompassing education, policy changes, and healthcare provider involvement is advised to address this important health issue.