PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH GROWTH PARAMETERS

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is important for skeletal growth and immune regulation. Deficiency in early childhood may impair growth and cause long-term health issues. Under-five children in lower- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable. Assessing prevalence and its impact on growth parameters is crucial for developing preventive measures.

Objectives: To assess the extent of vitamin D deficiency among children below the age of five and analyze its correlation with anthropometric indicators of growth such as stunting, wasting, and underweight.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of study: Department of Pediatrics Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan from Jan 2023 to June 2023

Methods: Anthropometric measurements and vitamin D levels were assessed for children aged 6-59 months from pediatric outpatient clinics. The World Health Organization standards were used for the anthropometric measurements and the serum Vitamin D was measured with the ELISA method for the 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Number and classification of children according the the measured Vitamin D levels were; deficient, insufficient and sufficient. The analyses on the association of growth indices with the children’s vitamin levels used chi-square and logistic regression, taking into consideration the the p value of 0.05 as signifying statistical relevance.

Results: One hundred children were involved in the study, with an Mean age 32.4 ± 12.8 months. Of the children, 54% were deemed vitamin D deficient, 28% were insufficient, and 18% where sufficiently vitamin D. Stunted growth was recorded in 34% of children, 29% were underweight, and 18% were wasted. Compared to children with sufficient levels of vitamin D, the mean HAZ, WAZ, and WHZ scores were significantly worse in children with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04, respectively). Children with vitamin D deficiency were found to be stunted more frequently, in this case, there was an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI = 1.1–3.9; p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Among children under five, there was a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, which was linked with negative growth indicators, especially stunting and underweight. Such findings necessitate early screening, supplementation, and public health interventions aimed at addressing deficiency. Encouraging sun exposure, fortifying food, and educating parents can be beneficial in improving growth and in avoiding the chronic consequences of Vitamin D deficiency in at-risk children.