Vitamin D deficiency and associated risk factors among young children in Malaysia
Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency in Young Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/cos.v13i1.7326Keywords:
children, risk factors, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, MalaysiaAbstract
Vitamin D deficiency in children is a global medical problem. The current study aimed to assess vitamin D status among preschool children in Malaysia, as well as to identify the risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: 120 healthy children were included. Blood samples were collected, and parents completed a questionnaire about family demographic characteristics, mother’s pregnancy information, nutritional habits and sunlight exposure. The ELISA Kit was used to determine serum vitamin D levels. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were reported in 35 %, 20 % of children respectively Chinese children were more likely to have sufficient vitamin D levels compared to other races (p= 0.050). Children deficient in vitamin D had significantly lower mean weight (p= 0.026). Mothers who had health issues during pregnancy were significantly more likely to have children deficient in vitamin D (p= 0.039). Only consumption of chicken (p= 0.048) and fortified cereal (p= 0.037) were associated with vitamin D status in children. Children exposed to sunlight in the last 2 weeks had sufficient levels of vitamin D (p= 0.026). Conclusion: High vitamin D deficiency was indicated among preschool Malaysian children. The lower body weight of children, mother’s health issues during pregnancy, less consumption of chicken and fortified cereal, less sunlight exposure and racial groups were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Health education and promotion programs for parents would help to increase knowledge aspects of vitamin D and its related benefit.
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