Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Kütahya Province: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective: The general health status and quality of life of individuals are negatively impacted by symptoms arising from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D, a steroid vitamin, is primarily synthesized in the skin (90-95%) under the influence of sunlight. This study aimed to determine the vitamin D status of outpatients admitted to Kütahya Health Sciences University Evliya Çelebi Training and Research (KHSU-ECTR) Hospital between 2017 and 2021, considering age, gender, and season. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients whose 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D (25-OH VitD) levels were studied, using data from the hospital database. The study included a total of 121,727 patients. Logistic regression was utilized to determine factors influencing vitamin D deficiency, and risk assessments were conducted across different categories. Results: The mean and standard deviation values of 25-OH VitD levels were 16.73±11.11 ng/ml. Using a cut-off value of 20 ng/ml, it was found that 71.5% of the patients exhibited vitamin D deficiency. Notably, vitamin D levels were particularly low among women and the elderly, especially during the winter season. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients admitted to the hospital in Kütahya. We think that increasing sun exposure during the spring and summer seasons, as well as implementing dietary and lifestyle changes, will have a positive impact on vitamin D levels.