International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume 16, Issue 16, 2019

Prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency among african immigrants living in australia (Article) (Open Access)

Horton-French K. , Dunlop E. , Lucas R.M. , Pereira G. , Black L.J.*
  • a School of Public Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
  • b School of Public Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
  • c National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, ActonACT 2600, Australia, Centre for Opthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
  • d School of Public Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
  • e School of Public Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations <50 nmol/L) is a public health issue in Australia and internationally. Those with darker skin require a greater dose of ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight than those with paler skin to synthesise adequate amounts of vitamin D. Using data from the 2011–2013 Australian Health Survey, we investigated the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in African immigrants aged ≥18 years living in Australia (n = 236). Serum 25(OH)D was measured using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method that is certified to international reference measurement procedures. Poisson regression was used to investigate independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency. A total of 36% of adults were vitamin D deficient (35% of men, 37% of women). The prevalence ratio (PR) of vitamin D deficiency decreased by 2% per year of age (PR 0.98; 95% CI (0.97, 0.99); p = 0.004) and was 1.6 times higher in those with low/sedentary, compared to moderate/high, physical activity levels (PR 1.64; 95% CI (1.12, 2.39); p = 0.011). The greatest risk was for those assessed during winter/spring compared with summer/autumn (PR 1.89; 95% CI (1.33, 2.64); p < 0.001). Culturally appropriate messaging on safe sun exposure and dietary vitamin D is warranted in order to promote vitamin D sufficiency in African immigrants living in Australia. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Author Keywords

Australian Health Survey 25-hydroxyvitamin D African Immigrant Vitamin D deficiency

Index Keywords

physical activity immigrant numerical model regression analysis Australia predictive value sex ratio vitamin blood level human middle aged controlled study obesity African groups by age demographic trend African immigrant vitamin deficiency spring liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry 25 hydroxyvitamin D male female sun exposure summer prevalence seasonal variation vitamin D deficiency Article disease prevalence major clinical study adult winter autumn Sedentary Lifestyle health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85071745557&doi=10.3390%2fijerph16162855&partnerID=40&md5=dd21e267e1191ebe7c91d03c1b32e947
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162855
ISSN: 16617827
Original Language: English