Vitamin D deficiency among postmenopausal women and its association with obesity

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D, which is described as ‘the Sun light Vitamin’, is essential for growth and development of the body. Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern. Poor vitamin D status, as indicated by low serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], has been observed in South Asian populations. Among women, postmenopausal women are more sufferer of vitamin D deficiency. Obesity has been associated with lower levels of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D. However, limited information is available on the vitamin D deficiency among postmenopausal women and its association with obesity. Objective: To evaluate the association of vitamin D deficiency with obesity in postmenopausal women. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional analytical study that was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital Dhaka over a period of June 2018 to July 2019. A total 72 postmenopausal women with in 45 to 70 years of age attending in and out patient Department in the above-mentioned Hospital during the study period were included: 34 respondents with BMI ≥ 25 in obese group and 38 respondents with BMI less than 25 in non-obese group. A questionnaire was used to assess dietary pattern, clothing practices and extent to exposure to sun. Estimation of serum Vitamin D level was assessed via measuring serum 25(OH) D by using Roche Electrochemiluminescence. Analyzed data was expressed as percentage and mean ± SD. Analysis was done by unpaired t test and chi square test to compare between two groups and find out the significance of difference in level. A “p” value of