Vitamin D deficiency is common and unrecognized among recently arrived adult immigrants from The Horn of Africa

Intern Med J. 2003 Jan-Feb;33(1-2):47-51. doi: 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2003.00344.x.

Abstract

The prevalence of and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were examined for recent adult immigrants from East Africa living in Melbourne. Demographic data were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire and risk factors predicting deficiency were examined. Suboptimal levels <25 nmol/L were found in 61 patients (53%; 74% of women; 20% of men). Lower levels were more likely in: (i) patients with a longer duration of residence in Australia, (ii) patients who were mostly covered when outdoors and (iii) women. Routine assessment for vitamin D deficiency should be considered for male and female immigrants from East Africa.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Africa, Eastern / ethnology
  • Aged
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / ethnology*