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Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(5), pp. 1303 - 1311
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130522
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Determinants of Vitamin D Deficiency among Adults in a Tertiary Care Setting in Coastal Southern Karnataka, India: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Ashwini Kumar , Ratna Jay , Rakshitha R Shenoy ^*, Manjula Anil Kunder , Muralidhar M Kulkarni , Sneha Deepak Mallya , Ananya Kumar Palai
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a growing public health issue, even in sun-rich countries like India, due to indoor lifestyles, cultural clothing practices, and reduced sun exposure. Data from coastal Southern Karnataka remain limited. Objective: To assess the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D deficiency among adults attending a tertiary care centre in coastal Southern Karnataka. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic medical records of 1,781 adults (≥18 years) who visited a tertiary hospital between April and October 2024. Data on demographics, clinical conditions, substance use, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were analysed. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum levels <20 ng/mL. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean vitamin D level was 22.30 ± 13.15 ng/mL. Overall, 47.7% were deficient and 37.0% insufficient, indicating a high burden. Deficiency was most prevalent among younger adults (18–45 years: 58.9%) and overweight and obese individuals (63.8%). Older adults (>65 years) had better vitamin D status. Females showed a slightly higher deficiency rate than males (50.6% vs. 45.8%). On multivariate analysis, younger age (18–45 years: odds ratio (OR)=2.45; 95% CI=1.59–3.77; 46–65 years: OR=1.67; 95% CI=1.15–2.42) and being overweight and obese (OR=1.38; 95% CI=1.05–1.81) were significantly associated with deficiency. No independent associations were found with gender, chronic diseases, anaemia, or substance use. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in this region, particularly among younger and overweight and obese adults. Targeted public health strategies are needed to improve awareness, screening, and dietary fortification.

KEYWORDS
Vitamin D deficiency, Prevalence, Risk Factors, India

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ashwini Kumar , Ratna Jay , Rakshitha R Shenoy , Manjula Anil Kunder , Muralidhar M Kulkarni , Sneha Deepak Mallya , Ananya Kumar Palai , "Determinants of Vitamin D Deficiency among Adults in a Tertiary Care Setting in Coastal Southern Karnataka, India: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1303 - 1311, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130522.

(b). APA Format:
Ashwini Kumar , Ratna Jay , Rakshitha R Shenoy , Manjula Anil Kunder , Muralidhar M Kulkarni , Sneha Deepak Mallya , Ananya Kumar Palai (2025). Determinants of Vitamin D Deficiency among Adults in a Tertiary Care Setting in Coastal Southern Karnataka, India: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(5), 1303 - 1311. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130522.