Assessment of vitamin D deficiency in Qatar using Snibe-Maglumi X3 CLIA.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread global public health concern. Although it is prevalent in the Middle East, available data remain limited. This gap in research leaves important questions unanswered regarding the exact prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its potential impact on the population health. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vitamin D status among individuals in Qatar during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic (2020), using a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Methods: This epidemiological study included 1,000 participants selected from the Primary Health Care Corporation electronic medical record system. Random sampling was used to select the study sample, and data analysis was performed to determine prevalence by gender, age group, and patient's continent of origin. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were interpreted according to the guidelines of The Endocrine Society. Levels were classified as follows: vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D<20 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL), optimal levels (30-50 ng/mL), and potential toxicity (>50 ng/mL).

Results: The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Qatar was 49.8%. While there was no significant variation by gender, the prevalence varied significantly across age groups (p <0.0001) and by patients' continent of origin (p <0.0001). Deficiency rates were highest in the 10-17 years age group (63%) and lowest among individuals aged >60 years (24.7%). Additionally, the deficiency rates were highest among individuals from Asian countries (51.6%) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (49.8%), and lowest among those from America and Europe.

Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Qatar, affecting nearly half of the population and showing significant variations across age groups and geographical backgrounds. Individuals from Asian and MENA regions were more affected than those from America and Europe, highlighting possible lifestyle or genetic influences. These findings are intended to guide public health interventions and support global efforts to address vitamin D deficiencies.