Background: Amid the COVID-19 lockdown during the second wave, a crucial investigation into Vitamin D deficiency among undergraduate students gained significance. Recognizing the potential impact on immune health, our objective was to explore serum Vitamin D status and its correlations with gender, diet, body mass index, and sunlight exposure in undergraduate medical students, considering the unique circumstances of restricted outdoor activities during the lockdown.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess serum Vitamin D levels in undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from February 2021 to June 2021 at Guntur Medical College, Andhra Pradesh. The cross-sectional study involved 68 undergraduate medical students aged 18–24 years. Ethical clearance was secured. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected through interviews and a Google Forms questionnaire. Biochemical analyses, considering the lockdown’s impact, were performed to categorize Vitamin D status.
Results: The study showed a profound impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on Vitamin D status, revealing high prevalence due to restricted sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent, particularly among obese and overweight students. No association between Vitamin D and calcium levels emphasized the need for tailored interventions considering the unique circumstances of lockdown. Parathormone levels were significantly elevated in Vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusion: The study revealed a 61.8% prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, with no statistically significant gender difference. A significant inverse correlation was identified between Vitamin D and parathormone parathyroid hormone levels. A positive correlation was noted between sun exposure duration and Vitamin D levels.
Key words: Vitamin D; COVID-19 Lockdown; Sun Exposure; Undergraduate Medical Students
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