Assessment of Vitamin D Status and Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency in Children from Najran, Saudi Arabia

Due to calcium absorption activity from the gut, vitamin D is a vital component for the growth and development of bone, and its deficiency can result in rickets and osteomalacia in children and adults, respectively. The objective was to assess the vitamin D status and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in children. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Najran, Saudi Arabia, from February 2021 to April 2021. The study setting was the pediatric clinic at Najran university hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia. All children, both boys and girls, visiting the pediatric clinic of Najran university hospital were eligible for inclusion. Participants taking weight-affecting drugs (such as steroids) or calcium or multivitamin supplements as well as individuals with chronic disorders including allergies or gastrointestinal, renal, or autoimmune diseases were excluded. A total of 47 subjects were included in this study. The maximum percentile age of the 47 subjects was 11-14 years (85.7%). The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V22.0. To evaluate the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, the odds ratio was determined. A p-value of 0.05 was regarded as significant. The study included 47 participants, with almost the same percentages of males and females (51.1% males) (48.9% females). Male respondents had a considerably higher percentage of vitamin D insufficiency (37.5%) than female subjects (26.1%). There was a significantly higher probability of vitamin D deficiency among those in the 6-10 year age group (odds ratio [OR]: 2.76; 0.35-21.68 confidence interval [CI]), in the fair skin participants (odds ratio [OR]: 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-16.13) and in those exposed to sunlight for 5-10 min per day (OR: 3.499; CI: 0.02-5340.83). In this study, we observed that vitamin D insufficiency affects both males and females equally and could be attributed to the participants' tendency to avoid sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency throughout adolescence is dangerous, and vitamin D deficiency at this age is a public health issue that should be addressed. Main outcome measures of this research may consolidate public awareness and information regarding vitamin D deficiency in children and its risk factors in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia.