Exploring Demographical, Clinical, and Dietary Determinants of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Adults in Douala, Cameroon During the COVID-19 Era

Overview

Journal Heliyon

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2024 Feb 14

PMID 38352796

Authors

Arlette Flore Moguem Soubgui

Wilfried Steve Ndeme Mboussi

Loick Pradel Kojom Foko

Elisee Libert Embolo Enyegue

Martin Luther Koanga Mogtomo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background And Aim: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global public health problem in African populations. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, characteristics, and determinants of VDD in the era of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. This study was conducted from January to September 2022 in seven health facilities in Douala, Cameroon.

Methods: A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each participant to collect participants' information. Molecular detection of the SARS-CoV-2 genome was done. A serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL was used to diagnose VDD.

Results: A total of 420 participants were included in the study. A Serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were reduced in SARS-CoV-2 (+) patients as compared to SARS-CoV-2 (-) patients (21.69 ± 5.64 ng/mL 42.09 ± 20.03 ng/mL, < 0.0001). The overall prevalence of VDD was 10.2 %. SARS-CoV-2 (+) individuals had nearly two times more risk of being VDD compared to SARS-CoV-2 (-) individuals (aRR = 1.81, < 0.0001). The risk of VDD was reduced by 46 % and 71 % in those consuming cocoa bean or powder regularly (aRR = 0.54, = 0.03) and rarely (aRR = 0.29, = 0.02) as compared to those never consuming it. Likewise, the risk of VDD was reduced by 59 % and 78 % in those consuming sardine fish regularly (aRR = 0.47, = 0.002) and rarely (aRR = 0.22, = 0.03). Overall, the association between VDD and SARS-CoV-2 infection was consistent, i.e., reduced risk of VDD in SARS-CoV-2 (-) individuals, after stratification for confounding variables.

Conclusion: This study outlined a high burden of VDD, a strong link between VDD and SARS-CoV-2, and suggests the possible utility of vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19 patients in Cameroon.

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