|
Abstract
Background:
Vitamin D plays a critical
role in bone mineralization
and musculoskeletal health.
In regions such as Hail, Saudi
Arabia, factors like sun exposure
habits, clothing practices,
and lifestyle may influence
vitamin D levels and fracture
risks. This study investigates
the association between vitamin
D levels, sun exposure patterns,
and fracture characteristics
among residents in the Hail
region.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was
conducted among 2,951 residents
of the Hail region. Participants
completed a structured questionnaire
covering fracture history,
sun exposure frequency and
duration, clothing coverage,
and vitamin D testing and
levels. Among them, 1,342
individuals reported a history
of bone fractures confirmed
by X-ray. Descriptive statistics
and chi-square tests were
used to assess associations
between variables using SPSS
version 28, with significance
set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Out of 2,951 participants,
45.5% reported a history of
confirmed bone fractures.
The majority occurred between
ages 6–10 years (30.0%),
with falls being the most
common cause (70.0%). Upper
extremities were the most
frequently fractured site
(40.1%). Most participants
with fractures had limited
sun exposure; 65.1% for less
than 10 minutes per day, and
only 15.0% had daily exposure.
Full body coverage was reported
by 45.0%. Among those with
fractures, 55.0% had never
tested their vitamin D levels,
and 66.7% of those tested
had low levels (20–40
ng/mL). Morning sun exposure
correlated significantly with
normal vitamin D levels (75.0%),
while full-body coverage and
midday/sunset exposure were
associated with deficiency
(p < 0.001). Participants
with normal vitamin D levels
experienced fractures primarily
between ages 6–10 and
more than six years ago, while
those with low vitamin D had
broader and more recent fracture
histories. Low vitamin D levels
were significantly linked
to lower limb fractures and
falls, whereas normal levels
correlated with upper limb
and exercise-related fractures.
Conclusion:
This study highlights a significant
association between low vitamin
D levels and recent, lower
extremity fractures in the
Hail population, especially
among individuals with poor
sun exposure and full-body
clothing. Routine vitamin
D testing and public awareness
campaigns promoting early
morning sun exposure and bone
health education are recommended
to reduce fracture risk in
the region.
Keywords
Vitamin D deficiency, bone
fractures, sun exposure, Saudi
Arabia, orthopedic health,
Hail region
|
