Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among anaesthesia providers at an academic hospital complex in South Africa

Abstract

Background: The primary source of vitamin D is skin exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is common in people who have decreased sun exposure. Acute vitamin D deficiency symptoms are mild and non-specific, but the long-term sequelae of deficiency are extensive, severe, and easily preventable. Anaesthetists spend a large portion of their days working indoors and are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among anaesthetists at the Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH) complex, Bloemfontein, South Africa, and to correlate deficiency with known risk factors.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on doctors who provide anaesthesia daily at UAH. The study was explained during an academic meeting, and members were invited to participate. On the scheduled date, consent was obtained from participants. Blood was drawn for laboratory analysis. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding the risk factors. They received an informational poster and had access to their results if requested. Data were analysed, and the chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests were used to determine if there was any significant association between vitamin D levels and categorical data.

Results: A total of 33 staff members from the Department of Anaesthesiology volunteered to participate in the study. An overall deficiency rate of 39.4% was found, with only one in five participants having sufficient vitamin D levels. The only factor that demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with deficiency was age (p = 0.03), but this study lacked sufficient power to make any conclusions.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among anaesthetists at UAH. Awareness should be raised regarding deficiency in this group, and an increase in age is correlated with a higher risk for deficiency.