Vitamin D Status in Jordan: Dress Style and Gender Discrepancies

Abstract

Background/Aims: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide and has been linked to many diseases. The aims of the present study were to assess the vitamin D status of Jordanians at the national level and to identify groups of the population at high risk for vitamin D deficiency. Methods: Vitamin D status was assessed in a national sample of 5,640 subjects aged ≧7 years. The study involved interviews, laboratory measurements of 25(OH)D and others, and physical measurements. The present report deals, exclusively, with subjects aged >18 years. Results: The prevalence of low vitamin D status [25(OH)D <30 ng/ml] was 37.3% in females compared to 5.1% in males. Dress style in females was independently related to low vitamin D status; women wearing ‘Hijab’ (adjusted OR = 1.7, p = 0.004) or ‘Niqab’ (adjusted OR = 1.5, p = 0.061) were at a higher risk for low vitamin D status than were western-dressed women. Conclusion: The high prevalence of low vitamin D status in females in contrast with a low prevalence in males, together with a higher prevalence in women wearing Hijab or Neqab, calls for action to increase the population’s awareness and to develop strategies to reduce this risk among women, particularly those wearing dress styles that cover most or all of their skin.

Determinants of vitamin D status among Jordanian employees: Focus on the night shift effect

“…A previous study from Jordan has shown that the prevalence of low 25OHD status (25OHD < 30 ng/ml) was 37% in females compared to 5% in males. Dress style in the case of females was independently affecting 25OHD status; where women wearing hijab or niqab were at higher risk of low 25OHD levels than those dressed as western women [20]. Despite this finding, our results showed no significant difference in 25OHD levels between the males and females; mean 25OHD levels were 23 ng/ml (SD = 10) and 25 ng/ml (SD = 15) in the males and females, respectively.…”

“…A number of factors have been found to be associated with low 25OHD levels. These factors include, among others, low sun exposure, age, obesity, smoking, dress style in the case of women and physical activity [5,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. In the absence of adequate sun exposure, 25OHD levels may be insufficient to achieve the desired physiologic role [5,[21][22][23][24].…”

Low 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations in international UK track and field athletes

“…[41][42][43] This has been attributed to required clothing covering all skin and thereby reducing exposure to UVB. 44 In South Africa, the Mediterranean and other sun-rich areas the relevance of this study may not be immediately apparent. While individuals in sun-rich areas may be at less risk, 45 a number of studies have shown a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in these areas, 46,47 potentially due to an individual's skin colour or sunscreen application.…”

Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency in Jordan: A Population-Based Study

“…In 2009, we conducted a national population-based study to specifically assess the vitamin D and B 12 status and metabolic disorders in Jordan [14]. In the present study, we report our findings regarding the prevalence of vitamin B 12 deficiency and its associated factors in Jordanian adults.…”