Vitamin D deficiency in long ‐term hospitalization psychiatric wards in an equatorial nation

This study sought to determine the vitamin D levels of people hospitalized for a period longer than a year in an equatorial nation, Singapore. The inpatient population was then categorized according to levels to determine the need for supplementation.MethodsTotal 25 ‐hydroxy vitamin D in serum and plasma levels were tested in 403 individuals in long‐term psychiatric wards. Blood serum and plasma levels were classified into three groups. Regression models were constructed to test the associations between levels and clinical covariates.ResultsForty (9.9%) people had vitamin D levels that were sufficient. A link was found between vitamin D levels and medications given for gastrointestinal illnesses ( β −2.48,p =  .014, 95%CI ‐4.46 to‐0.51) and between vitamin D levels and length of stay (β −0.13,p =  .027, 95%CI ‐0.24 to‐0.01). No other relationships were statistically significant.DiscussionDespite its geographic location and opportunities for regular outdoor activity, vitamin D deficiency, and insufficiency are prevalent among people hospitalized for long periods of time in an equatorial nation. The level of deficiency is comparable to those observed in other settings.
Source: Asia-Pacific Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research