PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN CENTRAL REGION OF LIBYA

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency becoming one of the most prelevant health problems worldwide. Sunny countries are not an exception.

Objective: To study the prevalence and epidemiological characters of Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency in middle region of Libya in two selected cities.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients attended clinics in Benwalied and sirte cities and have been investigated for Vit D status, done by a questioner designed to reveal the possible underlying factors, along Measurements of total 25 hydroxycholecalceferol 25(OH)D3, by using Fluorescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis was reached by using SPSS.

Result: Our result showed sub optimal Vit D level in 63 % (133/211) patient was sub optimal in 63 % (133/211). Among 133 Patients with suboptimal vita D, 70.68 % have deficiency and 29.32 patients have insufficiency. Using aBeing a female, is a risk factor. Sun exposure in light cloths for more than 30 minutes along with consumption of Omega-3 could contribute to prevention from Vit D deficiency. Multi-varient analysis showed that use of small quantity of sunscreen is not associated with Vit-D deficiency

Discussion and Conclusion: Consumption of Omega-3 is advisable as one of preventive measures of Vit D deficiency, however, a more focus and further studies are needed for elucidation of all participant positive and negativefactors.