PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN OVER 40 YEARS IN TRIPOLI, LIBYA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:Assessing vitamin D status among different age strata in Libya,especially in women,is critical for public health planning.Objective:To determine the prevalence and severity of vitamin D deficiency in Libyan women aged 40 years and older. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 655 women aged ≥40 years attending a single consultation outpatient clinic in Tripoli between March and December 2023 were enrolled.Participants were stratified into three age groups (40–49, 50–59, ≥ 60 years). Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25 OHD), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was classified as mild (20–30 ng/mL), moderate (10–20ng/mL),and severe (<10ng/mL).Results:The median (range) 25 OHD concentration was 11 (3.7–67.8) ng/mL. Overall, 20.0% of subjects had mild deficiency, 33.1% moderate deficiency, and 44.9% severe deficiency. Using an alternate classification (deficiency as <20 ng/mL, insufficiency 20–30 ng/mL), the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency were 50.8% and 19.6%,respectively.Prevalence was highest in the oldest age group.Conclusion:There is a high burden of vitamin D deficiency among middle aged and older women in Tripoli, Libya. Public health strategies including supplementation and food fortification are warranted,especially given cultural and environmental constraints on sun exposure