Vitamin D is important for bone development in children. A high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been documented from different parts of India. However, limited data is available on VDD amongst children residing at high altitude region of country. Therefore the present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VDD and associated risk factors amongst children in the age group of 6-18 years in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the year 2014-2015. A total of 626 children in the age group of 6-18 years were enrolled from 30 clusters which were identified using Population Proportionate to Size (PPS) sampling method. A minimum of 20 children in the age group of 6-18 years per cluster were selected by using random number tables. The data on socio economic status, physical activity, sunlight exposure and biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism were assessed.
Ninety three percent of school age children were found Vitamin D deficient as per serum 25(OH) D levels of less than 20ng/ml. The prevalence was significantly higher among females.
A high prevalence of VDD was found in children residing in high altitude region. The study highlights the urgent need for public health intervention through food fortification at a national level for all school-age children to prevent VDD.