ASSESSMENT OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AMONG DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread public health concern affecting all age groups due to its essential role in bone metabolism, immune regulation, and overall physiological function. Despite adequate sunlight availability in many regions, deficiency remains highly prevalent, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, due to limited sun exposure, lifestyle changes, and poor dietary intake. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess serum vitamin D levels and determine the prevalence of deficiency among different age groups in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 100 participants were selected using convenience sampling and categorized into adolescents (10–17 years), young adults (18–25 years), and adults (26–36 years). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using standard laboratory techniques and classified as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient according to clinical guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results showed a high overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (57%), with only 17% of participants having sufficient levels. Adolescents demonstrated the highest deficiency rate compared to other age groups. Although no statistically significant differences were observed between age groups or gender, a significant linear trend indicated decreasing deficiency with increasing age. The study concludes that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent across all age groups in hospitalized patients, with adolescents being the most vulnerable group. Early screening, public awareness, dietary improvement, and targeted supplementation strategies are strongly recommended to reduce the burden of deficiency.