Awareness of vitamin D deficiency among at-risk patients

Understanding of the role of vitamin D has been evolving since its discovery in the early 20th century from being a simple vitamin to a steroid pro-hormone. It has been recognised to be involved in various immune functions as well as bone and muscle development [1]. Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be linked to depression, [2] autism, [3] type 1 diabetes, [4] Syndrome X, [5] as well as chronic widespread muscle and bone pain [6]. In infancy, it is associated with Rickets and hypocalcaemic fits [7, 8].

On the other hand, the current evidence shows that wearing concealing clothes is associated with Vitamin D deficiency irrespective of race or strength of solar radiation [9–11]. Other studies reported higher incidence of Vitamin D deficiency among dark skinned patients due to decreased endogenous Vitamin D synthesis coupled with ethno-cultural as well as environmental factors [12–16]. Further, in the UK, a study of multi-ethnic patients from Birmingham revealed vitamin D deficiency prevalence of 1 in 4 Afro-Caribbeans and 1 in 3 Asians compared to 1 in 8 Caucasians [17].

Moreover, studies from Tunisia, New Zealand and the United States reported insufficient Vitamin D status in 47.6%, 54% and 100% of their participants respectively [18–20]. Other researchers documented that the prevalence of serum 25(OH)D levels of < 25 nmol/l was 9.3 times higher in Sri Lankans living in Norway compared with those in Sri Lanka [21]. Therefore, this data suggest that migration to northern latitudes, where there is lesser sun light, confers increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Hence, ethno-cultural, environmental and genetic factors appear to increase the risk of Vitamin D deficiency among the population who cover their skin or have dark skin.

As regards awareness of patients, Kung et al. conducted a telephone interview of randomly selected Chinese women in Hong Kong about vitamin D knowledge and behaviour related to sunlight. The survey showed that among 547 participants, 62.3% did not like being exposed in the sun and the majority had heard about vitamin D despite low level of awareness of sources and role of vitamin D [22]. Likewise, Brand et al. conducted a qualitative exploratory study of 34 immigrants in Australia and reported the existence of limitations, variations between men and women as well as age differences in knowing about vitamin D deficiency [23]. Nevertheless, this study focused on the East Africans; therefore, it cannot be generalised for the rest of dark skinned community who could have different cultural norms. Thus, further studies incorporating wider range of dark skinned participants appear necessary.

In the UK, particularly in inner city areas, a significant minority of the population are at high risk of Vitamin D deficiency, as a result of latitude, dark skin and the wearing of dress such as the hijab and burka. In Rusholme, inner city part of Manchester, approximately, 33.7% of its population (n = 16,172) are from ethnic minorities with dark skin whilst about 47.7% (n = 2,927) of these being female who are more likely to cover up [24].

Without adequate appreciation of their at-risk status, and knowledge about lifestyle modifications which can prevent Vitamin D deficiency, this portion of the population are likely to continue to suffer morbidity from musculoskeletal pain and an increased risk of Rickets and infant fits.

To ascertain the level of knowledge about Vitamin D deficiency in at risk people in an inner city area of the UK.

A face-to-face survey was conducted of a sample of patients judged to be at risk of Vitamin D deficiency by virtue of their skin colour or clothing. This was done as part of a review of patient education for patients diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency at an inner city GP practice in Manchester. This is an audit conducted following an approval by the clinical governance lead of the practice; hence, no external ethical approval was needed.

Every registered patient visiting the practice over a five day period from 1st of June 2009 to 5th of June 2009 was approached in the waiting room if they were of dark-skinned ethnicity or wearing garments providing total or near total skin coverage. Participants were consented and given the option of completing the survey on their own or with assistance such as reading the questions.

A data matrix was produced from the completed questionnaires using the SPSS 16.0 software. Variables for each question on the questionnaire were defined and entered according to their identification number on the SPSS Data Editor and analysed. The Chi Square Test was applied for comparing proportions and the T Test for mean differences and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Also used in the analysis process was the Microsoft Office Excel 2003. The calculated numbers were rounded off to the nearest whole number.

The results identify a significant unmet need for education about vitamin D among people at risk of deficiency. Nearly a third of people at risk of deficiency by virtue of dark or covered skin had never heard of it whereas just over a third were getting almost no sun exposure and very few took appropriate supplements.

On the other hand, men and older people had particularly low levels of awareness of Vitamin D deficiency and its potential consequences. Gender influences on health related attitudes and behaviour are common findings [23, 25]. The influence of age on Vitamin D awareness confirms findings of a survey among patients in Hong Kong [22] and highlights the inaccessibility and lack of perceived relevance of much health information to the older generation.

As regards this study, since the data was collected with a questionnaire mainly comprising of closed questions, the fact gathered is limited. Moreover, individuals who turned up at the practice may be different from those who did not in relevant ways. This was a small non-random sample of residents in one UK city, albeit with a high response rate. Hence, further research is sought in order to confirm the findings.

Fresh effort is recommended to address the needs of the at risk population for education about Vitamin D deficiency and ways of avoiding it. This should address both suggested lifestyle modifications and symptoms, which warrant consultation with the GP. A third of participants had received information about Vitamin D from family or friends. While the social connections of older at-risk people may differ from this group, community networks appear to be a promising vector for the dissemination of education about this important problem. The group with greatest need for education are also more likely than the general population to consult their GP, and this may also prove an important source of education.

Recommendations to change lifestyle factors in Vitamin D deficiency may not be popular, as other work has shown [26] and the lower levels of UVB radiation received from the sun at higher latitudes may significantly limit the benefit of sun exposure in the UK. The role of the GP in offering pharmacological Vitamin D to at risk patients may therefore be paramount.

This study highlighted the existence of differences in awareness of Vitamin D deficiency among men and women whilst age playing a significant role. Thus, a concerted collaboration is required amongst the health care providers and others such as community members to promote the awareness and bridge this gap.