Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Tea Plantation Women of Assam, India

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is rising as a serious public health issue, affecting a major section of the population across the world. Considering the numerous health implications of vitamin D deficiency, it is of dire significance to identify this epidemic and work for its eradication. The women in the tea plantations are among the most vulnerable groups in Assam and are reported to have the highest mortality rate in the state. The present study is conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among women in the tea plantations of Assam. An attempt is also made to study the factors correlated with the vitamin D status of women. 370 working women are selected from two tea estates of Assam. Serum vitamin D status is assessed. Socio-economic background, morbidity profile, sunning practice, substance (alcohol and tobacco) abuse pattern and dietary intake is obtained through a standard protocol. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is at the rate of 69.50 percent. Vitamin D status of women suffering from disease conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic fatigue, and body pain is significantly lower than healthy women. A significant correlation between the vitamin D status and clothing pattern, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and dietary intake of the women is observed. This study extrapolates the urgency to recognize vitamin D deficiency as a serious epidemic prevailing among women. The various factors identified to exaggerate the deficiency need to be brought to light through proper awareness and health education. HIGHLIGHTS mThe impact of vitamin D deficiency is precarious among women residing in tea plantations of Assam. m Sunning pattern, tobacco and alcohol consumption and dietary intake have been identified as major contributors to the deficiency. m Proper nutrition education and awareness is necessary to reduce the impact of the determinants of the deficiency.