Assessing the Magnitude and Effect of Various Risk Factors Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency among Females in the UAE

Aim: The aim of this research is to determine the incidence and risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency, specifically among females within a certain age range in the UAE. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study to observe and record lifestyle and dietary risk factors and their frequency in the selected females' daily lives and routines. An online distributed questionnaire has been designed and distributed among women of Al Ain city in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Statistical Analysis: SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis and statistical testing. The significance was tested using Chi Square. Results: Among the 124 females, 35.5% were exposed to the sun between 10 am and 3 pm and 64.5% were not exposed. Vit D rich food consumption includes: Cod liver oil (10% Yes, 90% No), Salmon (26.6% Yes, 73.4% No), Tuna (44.4% Yes, 55.6% No), Sardines (21.8% Yes, 78.2% No), Liver/Beef (33.1% Yes, 66.9% No), Orange Juice fortified (50% Yes, 50% No), Milk fortified (41.9% Yes, 58.1% No), Yoghurt fortified (46% Yes, 54% No), and Cereal fortified (29.8% Yes, 70.2% No). A high degree of association with P-values of 0.007 Pearson Chi-Square for frequent use of Sun protection factor 15 and its effect on sun exposure being daily in an in doors work/education environment, and P-values of 0.046 and 0.028 corresponding to "usual" use of Sun protection factor 15 and "rare" use. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common among female women who live in the UAE; many factors contribute to this deficiency. More rigorous work is needed to encourage women to avoid some of these factors in order to promote health and prevent vitamin D deficiency related health problems.