Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency among Older Adults in KNUST Hospital, Kumasi

Keywords: Vitamin D insufficiency, Sunlight exposure, Vitamin D foods, Older adults

Abstract

Vitamin D insufficiency is a prevalent issue among older adults, often attributed to inadequate sunlight exposure and a lack of vitamin D foods in their diets. This study specifically examined the prevalence of this insufficiency among older adults in Kumasi. Conducted as a cross-sectional study, the research encompassed 125 consistent attendees of the Geriatric Clinic at KNUST Hospital. Vitamin D concentrations were determined using blood analysis, while the duration of sunlight exposure and dietary consumption of vitamin D foods were evaluated with a structured questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were employed to evaluate body composition parameters. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency, sunlight exposure duration, and body composition parameters were analysed using frequency distribution analysis. Furthermore, the utilization of Principal Component Analysis was employed to forecast dietary patterns linked with the intake of vitamin D foods. The findings underscored that a significant proportion of participants (70.4%) had insufficient vitamin D levels. Among the participants, only 6.4% had sufficient duration of sunlight exposure, and a mere 22.3% were likely to have a dietary pattern with vitamin D foods as part of their meals. Moreover, a majority showed elevated values in body composition parameters, including body fat (64.5%), visceral fat (95.6%), BMI (60.8%), and muscle mass (48%). Given that insufficient vitamin D can potentially compromise muscle performance and overall well-being among older adults, it is crucial to implement robust measures such as sunlight exposure, inclusion of vitamin D foods in diets, and engagement in moderate physical activity to effectively address this emerging concern.

Author Biographies

Justina Opoku, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Justina Opoku served as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology and a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Her research specializes in the health of older Ghanaian adults, with a particular focus on their dietary intake and vitamin D levels.

Charles Apprey, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Charles Apprey is a Snr. lecturer and researcher at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He Holds a BSc. and PhD in Biochemistry with focus in Nutritional Biochemistry. His specialization is in food systems, food environment and nutritional intervention in non-communicable diseases. He is a recipient of grant from Nestle Foundation to investigate the underlying causes of malnutrition in pregnant adolescents in Ghana. Dr Apprey is currently a member of the Research and Innovation sub-committee of the Ghana Standards Authority as well as a programme assessor for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. He was the Examination officer and programme coordinator for the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology before his appointment as the Deputy Institute Examinations officer-IDL.

Samuel Selorm Attu, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Samuel Selorm Attu served as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. His expertise lies in Social Behavior Change Communication, focusing on Infant and Young Child Feeding practices, knowledge, and their impact on the hemoglobin levels of children aged 6-23 months.

Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

University of Science and technology and a Medical Officer and Senior Specialist Family Physician at the University Hospital, KNUST. He is a Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians. His expertise is in the care of chronic medical conditions; infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, COVID-19) and non-communicable diseases (Asthma, Hypertension, Diabetes and Stroke). In the area of research, he is the Trial Clinician for the Filariasis Team at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research. He contributes to post-graduate medical training as a trainer for the Family Medicine programme of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. Since 2018, he has been the Chair/President of AfriWon Renaissance, the young doctors movement of the World Organisation of Family Doctors.

Ibok Nsa Oduro, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Ibok Nsa  Oduro is a professor of Postharvest Technology in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Kwame Nkrumah Univesity of Science and Technology where she has been teaching and doing her research since 1996. She is known for her work on reducing post-harvest losses by promoting the use of underutilized indigenous crops. Her research has led to the development of many innovative food products. Professor Oduro is the former Provost of the College of Science at KNUST and the first female Provost in the university. She is also a council member for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and also serves on various committees in different institution in Ghana. Professor Oduro is committed to promoting women in STEM and has been part the WiSTEMgh program in Kumasi which aims to mentor young ladies in STEM.

Published
2024-10-04
How to Cite
Opoku, J., Apprey, C., Attu, S. S., Ayisi-Boateng, N. K., & Oduro, I. N. (2024). Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency among Older Adults in KNUST Hospital, Kumasi. Journal of Science and Technology, 42(3), 1- 12. https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v42i3.1587
Section
Articles

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