Associations between vitamin D insufficiency, health beliefs, and quality of life in metabolic syndrome: A northeastern Taiwanese community study.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The impact of Vitamin D on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health beliefs in specific populations, such as Taiwanese adults, remains underexplored. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) are prevalent global health concerns. However, the association between VDI and MetS is still inconclusive, particularly in relation to HRQoL within the framework of the health belief model (HBM). This study aimed to investigate the associations among VDI, HBM constructs, HRQoL, and MetS in a community-based population of Taiwanese adults.

Methods and study design: This cross-sectional study recruited 1015 Taiwanese patients aged ≥30 years between August 2020 and July 2023. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric variables, and vitamin D concentration, defined as 25 (OH) D concentrations, were acquired from medical records. Data regarding health beliefs and HRQoL were obtained through structured questionnaire.

Results: The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 29.6 ± 10.9 ng/mL and the overall prevalence of VDI was MetS was 54.9%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of MetS between the VDI and sufficiency groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors associated with VDI prevalence were female sex, age < 65 years, college and above education attainment, high LDL concentration, no alcohol use, and low scores on the emotional role item of HRQoL.

Conclusions: VDI was not significantly associated with MetS prevalence or HBM constructs. However, key risk factors for VDI should be integrated into targeted health initiatives to address modifiable risk factors and improve vitamin D status.