Serum Vitamin D Status Among the Office Workers of the Dhaka City

Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging public health concern worldwide, particularly in urban populations with limited sunlight exposure due to indoor occupations. In Bangladesh, office workers in Dhaka are at high risk due to limited sunlight exposure and inadequate dietary intake. It can lead to various health problems, including bone pain, muscle weakness and in severe cases, rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Lack of exposure to sunlight is among the major causes of vitamin D deficiency. To assess the vitamin D status and associated risk factors among office workers in Dhaka city. This hospital based cross sectional observational study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry in Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittic Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka with a total of 50 cases purposively selected for the study. Detailed information was obtained in each individual according to protocol. Complete history was taken from patients. Thorough clinical examinations were done. Relevant investigations reports were collected. All the information was recorded in the fixed protocol. Collected data were classified, edited, coded and entered the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23. Mean 25(OH)D was 22.05 ng/mL (SD 6.46). Hypovitaminosis D was widespread: 42.0% were deficient and 48.0% insufficient; only 10.0% were sufficient. Deficient participants had lower average daily sun exposure (18.33 vs. 23.80 minutes in sufficient) and fewer outdoor days per week (1.57 vs. 1.80–2.46). BMI was slightly higher in deficient/insufficient groups (25.30–25.41 kg/m²) compared to sufficient (24.54 kg/m²). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent among Dhaka office workers. Findings support workplace and public-health strategies to increase safe sun exposure, encourage outdoor activity, improve dietary vitamin D intake, and consider supplementation when appropriate.