Factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in Erbil, Iraq: A statistical investigation

Talaat Abubaker Blbas, Hazhar and Taher Saalih Kahwachi, Wasfi and Khalid Ahmed, Sirwan and Gharib Aziz, Khanda and Mohammed Faraj, Shahen and Subhan Mohammed, Mohammed (2024) Factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in Erbil, Iraq: A statistical investigation. Clinical Nutrition Open Science, 54. pp. 151-162. ISSN 2667-2685

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Abstract

Background & Aims Scientific evidence supports vitamin D's ability to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases, and its physiological importance extends to calcium balance and bone health. This study aimed to find the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in Erbil, Iraq. Methods For the study, data was gathered through a questionnaire in some private laboratories in Erbil, Iraq, between October 2020 and October 2021. Three sections make up the study: questions about demographics, questions regarding vitamin D, and questions about the effects of vitamin D insufficiency on the human body. Descriptive statistics, an independent sample test, a chi square test, a one-way ANOVA, and factor analysis were utilized to determine vitamin D deficiency using SPSS Version 28. Results The core findings demonstrated that while the mean vitamin D measurement for smokers was greater than for non-smokers, the mean vitamin D measurement for outside house sun exposure was higher than inside house sun exposure. People believe that low vitamin D levels are to blame for their tooth loss, Alzheimer's disease, weight gain, and dizziness, respectively. Conclusion This study highlights the significant role of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and well-being. It reveals that factors such as smoking and outdoor sun exposure are associated with varying vitamin D levels. Additionally, public perceptions link low vitamin D levels to conditions like tooth loss, Alzheimer's disease, weight gain, and dizziness. This underscores the importance of addressing vitamin D deficiency as a potential preventive measure against various health issues in the population of Erbil, Iraq.

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