Abstract
Background and Objectives: Recently a variety of studies reported high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adult individuals in different countries. Vitamin D deficiency could be one the major health problem which may induce bone disorders particularly osteomalacia, and fracture as a result of osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in reproductive age women in city of Tabriz.
Material and Methods: This was a cross-section study and constitute of 252 reproductive age, 15-49 years, women of Tabriz city whom randomly selected from general population. From each subject 5 ml vein blood was obtained and serum levels of calcium, phosphor, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D were measured. A demographic questioner was filled. Weight and height were measured using seca scale and cotton ruler, which was stick to wall respectively. Body mass index was calculated based on weight and height results. Vitamin D was measured by radioimmunoassay. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient tests.
Results: The results indicated that vitamin D deficiency in women was as follows: sever vitamin D deficiency 15.1%, moderate deficiency 15.5%, and mild deficiency 33.7%. Of those women 3.7% were underweight and 59.8% had different stage of obesity. Only 37.5% had BMI in normal range. There was a significant correla\tion between serum level of vitamin D and weight (p<0.05). There was a correlation between educational level and vitamin D concentration of serum(p<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on this study, it is speculated that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in women of Tabriz city. Therefore, it is suggested that intervention education and sun exposure are recommended for women’s health promotion.
Key Words: