AB0917 PATTERN OF SERUM CHOLECALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D3) LEVEL AMONG THE FEMALE IN RELATION TO CLOTHING’S

Background Both clinical and subclinical low level vitamin D is common1. Various kinds of health hazard including musculoskletal symptoms are frequently seen among the Vitamin D deficients. It is also not uncommon even in a sunny country. Lack of sun exposure, particularly female using veil may be an important cause. Objectives To assess the relationship between using veil and serum vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) level Methods This prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during July 2017 to June 2018. Patients with common complaints related to lack of Vitamin D (muscle cramp, myalgia, fatigue, bone pain, generalized weakness, difficulty in getting up, climbing stairs and pain in weight bearing joints) were enrolled. Patient having other disease were excluded from study. Serum cholecalciferol was measured for each patient. Race, occupation, educational status, skin complexion, body mass index, sunlight exposure, covering of body with clothing’s and use of sunscreen were taken under consideration in final analysis. Correlation of serum cholecalciferol level with different types of veils (Burkha, halve sleeve, full sleeve, quarter sleeve and Hijab) of individual’s was analyzed. Results A total 79 female patients were enrolled after screening 108. All of them were of multi-ethnic Asian origin. Age distribution of them is 17 to 39 years 34.2%, 40 to 50 years 38%, 51 to 70 years 26.6% and above 70 years 1.3%. Maximum (93.7%) of them were house wife, 91.1% had no adequate sun exposure and 81% had no skin exposure to sunlight. Among clothing 79.7% used Burkha, 5.1% halve sleeve, 2.5% full sleeve and 12.7% quarter sleeve. Among Burkha 28.6% (18), 55.6% (35) & 15.9% (10) and among quarter sleeve 50% (5), 40% (4) & 10% (1) had deficient, insufficient & sufficient vitamin D level respectively while 2 (100%) female with full sleeve and 4 (100%) female with halve sleeve had deficient and insufficient vitamin D level respectively. The cholecalciferol level among the users of veil is shown in Table-1. There was no significant difference between different types of clothing’s (Table: 2). Conclusion Main source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Proper exposure to sunlight is essential for adequate vitamin D level even in a sunny country. Regarding in vitamin D absorption from sunlight, there may be no difference between Burkha and other covered dressings. Further study needed to have a conclusion. Reference [1] Jones AN, Hansen KE. Recognizing the musculoskeletal manifestations of vitamin D deficiency.J Musculoskelet Med. 2009; 26(10): 389 – 96. Disclosure of Interests None declared