Frequency of vitamin d deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and its relationship with obesity, depression, and pain intensity: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective This study was conducted to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and to define the relationship between vitamin D levels and obesity, depression, and pain intensity. Methods This study was conducted with 69 patients (Male = 32, Female = 37) diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. The participants’ 25(OH)D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. In addition, bone metabolic status, including bone mineral density and bone turnover markers, was also evaluated. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to determine the depression statuses of the patients, while the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire was administered to measure pain intensity. The results were evaluated at a significance level of p<0.05. Results Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was found in 76.8% of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients who: 1) had higher body mass indexes (OR 3.197, 95% CI 1.549-6.599); 2) fared higher in Beck’s depression score (OR 1.817, 95% CI 1.027–3.217); and 3) were female rather than male (OR 1.700, 95% CI 0.931-3.224) (p<0.05). Conclusion In this study, vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in lumbar spinal stenosis patients. In addition, obese, depressed, and female individuals have higher risks of vitamin D deficiency.