Vitamin D Deficiency Among Primary School Children in Mosul City, Northern Iraq

Abstract

Introduction: Although vitamin D deficiency among young children is widespread, deficiency status may vary among regions. Data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children in Mosul city are lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among primary school children in Mosul city, North Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the government primary schools in Mosul city over the period from February to May 2019. Multistage random sampling technique was applied; four governmental primary schools in Mosul city were selected. A representative sample size of 1072 children, aged between 6 and 12 was enrolled, serum 25OHD was analyzed in all the participants. Results: Vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 12 ng/ml) was found in 59.7% of children, vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD 12-19 ng/ml) was evident in 33.8% of children, whereas only 6.3 % of children had vitamin D sufficiency (25OHD > 20 ng/ml). Boys had significantly higher levels of 25OHD compared to girls, (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in 25OHD concentrations in relation to parental education. There was a weak reverse significant correlation between body weight and 25OHD concentrations, (r = - 0.117, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Only 6.3 % of primary school children in Mosul city had sufficient vitamin D status. Vitamin D supplementation to primary school children is essential.