VITAMIN D STATUS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF ADEN- YEMEN

Vitamin D deficiency is not only associated with rickets and osteomalacia, but with several chronic diseases, such as cancer, ischemic heart disease and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. Worldwide, an estimated one billion people suffer from vitamin D deficiency. One of the major reasons for the worldwide spread of this disorder has been deficient awareness about the importance of vitamin D, its benefits on health, and prevention of deficiency state across different populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female medical students regarding the importance of vitamin D and to determine its correlates among female students in Aden, Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 70 adult female students aged 19-30 years enrolled in Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Aden in the period April to October 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information for participants data such as age, place of residence (urban or rural), skin color (pigmentation) and applying of sun protection creams. Blood samples were taken to investigate serum 25-(OH)D3 level for all participants through laboratory examination using Roche Cobas e 411 Automatic Analyzer, after recruiting their sociodemographic, health and lifestyle. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were classified as normal (>30 ng/ml), insufficiency (10-30 ng/ml) and deficiency (<10 ng/ml). The data statistically analyzed using SPSS version 24. The mean age (SD) of participants 22.4 ± 2.01years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among all participants was 34.3% while 65.7% had vitamin D insufficiency. low concentrations of serum vitamin D is highly prevalent among female medical students. It is advisable to increase their consumption of foods rich in vitamin D. the incidence of VDD among growing girls is concerning and necessitates preventive intervention. Importantly, health strategy plan requires considerations of more promotion of safe sun exposure practice, sufficient vitamin D supplements and vitamin D fortification of foods.