Evaluation of the knowledge regarding vitamin D, and sunscreen use of female adolescents in Iran

Abstract Background Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency/insufficiency is an important risk factor for several chronic conditions. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of female adolescents with respect to the association between sunlight exposure, sunscreen use, and Vit D status. Methods This cross-sectional survey was performed in northeastern Iran, among 940 female adolescents in January 2015. Each subject completed a questionnaire containing items about demographic characteristics, knowledge about Vit D and their use of sunscreen. Serum Vit D levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence method and dietary intake of Vit D was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Few of the participants were aware of the biological functions of Vit D (8.8%), the causes of Vit D deficiency (16.7%), and the sources of Vit D (9.3%). Less than half of the participants used sunscreen during the day. The serum levels of Vit D in subjects who used sunscreen were significantly lower than those who did not (p = 0.004). However, there was no significant association between their knowledge about Vit D and serum Vit D, or dietary intake of Vit D. Conclusion There appears to be a lack of coherence between lifestyle, behavior and knowledge that may affect the Vit D status of adolescent girls in northeastern Iran. This information provides a basis for developing public health planning (workshops or training at the college level) for the prevention of Vit D deficiency especially in adolescent girls.

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MORBIDITY PATTERN AMONG ADOLESCENT SCHOOL GIRLS IN RURAL AND URBAN SCHOOL OF JHANSI (U.P.)- A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies ◽

10.32553/ijmbs.v3i9.582 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (9) ◽

Author(s):

Shubhanshu Gupta ◽

Sanjeev Kumar ◽

Piyush D Swami ◽

Anjana Niranjan

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Optimal Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

World Population ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural And Urban

Background: According to World Health Organization, adolescents constitute about one fifth of the world population, and in India they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at sub-optimal level. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for improvement of health status of adolescent girls. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in Rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014. Results: Among the various morbidities eye problem was seen in maximum no of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls. Conclusions: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent, anemia, morbidity, vaginal discharge.

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Dietary and serum vitamin D and preeclampsia risk in Chinese pregnant women: a matched case–control study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521002956 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-26

Author(s):

Xue-min Huang ◽

Yan-hua Liu ◽

Han Zhang ◽

Yuan Cao ◽

Wei-feng Dou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Case Control ◽

Serum Concentrations ◽

Matched Case ◽

Matched Case Control Study ◽

Control Study

Abstract The effect of vitamin D (VD) on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) is uncertain. Few of previous studies focused on the relationship between dietary VD intake and PE risk. Therefore, we conducted this 1:1 matched case-control study to explore the association of dietary VD intake and serum VD concentrations with PE risk in Chinese pregnant women. A total of 440 pairs of participants were recruited during March 2016 to June 2019. Dietary information was obtained using a 78-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were plotted to evaluate the dose-response relationship of dietary VD intake and serum VD concentrations with PE risk. Compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs of the highest quartile were 0.45 (95%CI: 0.29-0.71, Ptrend = 0.001) for VD dietary intake and 0.26 (95%CI: 0.11-0.60, Ptrend = 0.003) for serum levels after adjusting for confounders. In addition, the RCS analysis suggested a reverse J-shaped relationship between dietary VD intake and PE risk (P-nonlinearity = 0.02). A similar association was also found between serum concentrations of total 25(OH)D and PE risk (P-nonlinearity = 0.02). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that higher dietary intake and serum levels of VD are associated with the lower risk of PE in Chinese pregnant women.

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Vitamin D Levels, APOE Allele, and MRI Volumetry Assessed by NeuroQuant in Norwegian Adults with Cognitive Symptoms

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-201018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

pp. 311-321

Author(s):

Jelena Zugic Soares ◽

Renate Pettersen ◽

Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽

Karin Persson ◽

Carsten Strobel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Late Onset ◽

Apoe Genotype ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Grey Matter Volume ◽

Cognitive Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Brain Volumes ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

Mri Volumetry

Background: Allele ɛ4 of the apolipoprotein (APOE ∈4) gene is the strongest known genetic risk factor for late-onset sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. A possible relationship between vitamin D and APOE is not yet clear. Objective: In this exploratory, cross-sectional study, we examined the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and brain volumes and the associations of both serum levels of 25(OH)D and APOE polymorphism to brain volumes in 127 persons (mean age 66 years) with cognitive symptoms. Methods: All subjects were examined with fully automated software for MRI volumetry, NeuroQuant. Results: After adjustment for relevant covariates, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with greater volumes of cortical gray matter on both left (p = 0.02) and right (p = 0.04) sides. When both 25(OH)D levels and APOE genotype were used as the main covariates, no significant associations were found between vitamin D level and brain volume in any of the 11 brain regions. In adjusted models, only homozygous but not heterozygous APOE ∈4 allele carriers had significantly larger inferior lateral ventricles (p = 0.003) and smaller hippocampal volume (p = 0.035) than those without ɛ4. Homozygous APOE ∈4 carriers also had significantly higher vitamin D levels (p = 0.009) compared to persons without the APOE ∈4 allele. Conclusion: Higher vitamin D levels might have a preserving effect on cortical grey matter volume.

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Posttraumatic stress disorder correlates among internally displaced Yazidi population following Islamic state of Iraq and Syria attacks in Iraq

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03299-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Perjan Hashim Taha ◽

Nezar Ismet Taib ◽

Hushyar Musa Sulaiman

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Health Planning ◽

Basic Needs ◽

Islamic State ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Internally Displaced ◽

Northern Iraq

Abstract Background In 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one-third of Iraq. This study measured the rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Iraqi Yazidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) and examined associated demographic and traumatic risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in April–June 2015 at the Khanke camp, northern Iraq. Trauma exposure and PTSD were measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (Iraqi version). Results Of 814 adult Yazidi IDPs, 34% screened positive for PTSD. Avoidance and intrusion symptoms had the highest means (M = 3.16, SD = 0.86 and M = 2.63, SD = 0.59 respectively). Associated factors of PTSD included exposure to a high number of traumatic events, unmet basic needs and having witnessed the destruction of residential or religious areas (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9 and OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53 respectively). Being a widow was the only linked demographic factor (OR = 15.39, 95% CI: 3.02–78.39). Conclusions High traumatic exposure, specifically unmet basic needs and having witnessed destruction, was an important predictor of PTSD among Yazidi IDPs. These findings are important for mental health planning for IDPs in camps.

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Comparison of Antioxidant Status and Vitamin D Levels between Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Matched Subjects

Multiple Sclerosis International ◽

10.1155/2014/539854 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ehsan Hejazi ◽

Reza Amani ◽

Naser SharafodinZadeh ◽

Bahman Cheraghian

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Antioxidant Status ◽

Sun Exposure ◽

Total Antioxidant Status ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Study Groups ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective. The aim of the present study was to compare the serum levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and 25(OH) D3 and dietary intake of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with those of normal subjects.Method. Thirty-seven MS patients (31 women) and the same number of healthy matched controls were compared for their serum levels and dietary intake of 25(OH) D3 and TAS. Sun exposure and the intake of antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods were estimated through face-to-face interview and food frequency questionnaire.Results. Dietary intake of antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate was not significantly different between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in the mean levels of 25(OH) D3 and TAS between the study groups. Both groups had low serum levels of 25(OH) D3 and total antioxidants.Conclusion. No significant differences were detected in serum levels and dietary intake of vitamin D and antioxidants between MS patients and healthy controls. All subjects had low antioxidant status and vitamin D levels.

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Relationship between HOMA-IR and serum vitamin D in Chinese children and adolescents

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2015-0422 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (7) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lingli Wang ◽

Huiyan Wang ◽

Huaikai Wen ◽

Hongqun Tao ◽

Xiaowei Zhao

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Chinese Children ◽

Model Assessment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

The Difference ◽

Chinese Children And Adolescents

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional relationship between homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level in Chinese children and adolescents.Anthropometric indices, lipid metabolic profile, and serum levels of glucose, insulin and 25-OHD were determined among 278 healthy prepubertal and pubertal, normal and overweight/obese children and adolescents aged 8–18 years between March 2014 and February 2015.HOMA-IR was significantly different across vitamin D statuses (p<0.001), even after adjusting for body mass index (BMI) (p=0.035) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.044); the difference was not significant between the vitamin D deficient and insufficient groups (p=0.120). HOMA-IR negatively correlated with serum 25-OHD level for all subjects (ROur findings supported that lower vitamin D status is strongly associated with worse HOMA-IR.

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High Prevalence of Vitamin D Inadequacy During Late Postpartum in Canadian Mothers

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab046_087 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 790-790

Author(s):

Sarah Montgomery ◽

Angella Lee ◽

Nasime Sarbar ◽

Deborah Zibrik ◽

Yvonne Lamers

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

British Columbia ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Dietary Vitamin ◽

Nutrient Deficiencies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Vitamin D Intake ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

Dietary Vitamin D

Abstract Objectives To assess maternal dietary intake and adequacy at postpartum and to determine whether lifestyle characteristics and breastfeeding status are related to nutrient intakes. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of 129 mothers at 18-mo postpartum, whose families were enrolled into a randomized toddler intervention trial, in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada. The Canadian Diet History Questionnaire II (C-DHQ II) was used to estimate usual dietary intake in the mothers during the preceding 12 months (i.e., between 6- to 18-mo postpartum). Implausible energy intakes were defined as <600 kcal/day or >3500 kcals/day, and excluded from analysis. Demographic and lifestyle characteristic data about the pregnancy and postpartum time period were collected using a questionnaire. Results Maternal mean (SD) age at birth was 33.5 (4.0) years and most women were of European (46%) or Asian (38%) ethnicity, and had Bachelor's degree or higher education (70%). About 75%, 88%, and 89% did not meet their dietary requirements (i.e., intake below the EAR) for fiber, potassium, and vitamin D intakes, from food only, respectively. Considering total dietary intake from food and supplements, the prevalence of dietary vitamin D inadequacy was 25%. Women of European ethnicity had higher vitamin D intake (median (IQR) in mg/1000kcal/day: 19.5 (7.26,101)) compared to Asian women (10.8 (3.87, 21.1); P < 0.05). Dietary vitamin D intake was higher in breastfeeding (i.e., providing breastmilk as primary milk source, i.e., ³2 times/day, to their 18-mo old toddlers) compared to non- or occasionally breastfeeding mothers (20.0 (10.5, 61.1) versus 14.9 (4.28, 26.7) mg/1000kcal/day; P < 0.05). Conclusions While most Canadian mothers in this sample met the EARs for most nutrients, the prevalence of dietary inadequacy was very high for vitamin D, potassium, and fiber. Some population groups may be especially at risk of developing nutrient deficiencies in this period of life characterized by postpartum recovery and transition; targeted public health strategies may be needed to address these deficiencies. Funding Sources This study is supported by The University of British Columbia, and the British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada, and is funded by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

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Nutritional Content and Health Profile of Non-Dairy Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13114069 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 4069

Author(s):

Winston J. Craig ◽

Cecilia J. Brothers

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Health Profile ◽

Nutritional Content ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sustainable Diet ◽

Commercial Package ◽

Dairy Plant ◽

Sugar Levels

Yogurt is considered a healthy, nutritious food in many cultures. With a significant number of people experiencing dairy intolerance, and support for a more sustainable diet, consumer demand for dairy alternatives has surged. The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of plant-based yogurt alternatives to assess their nutritional content and health profile. A total of 249 non-dairy yogurt alternatives were analyzed from the nutrition label listed on the commercial package. The various yogurt alternatives contained extracts of coconut (n = 79), almonds (n = 62), other nuts or seeds (n = 20), oats (n = 20), legumes (n = 16), and mixed blends (n = 52). At least one-third of the yogurt alternatives had 5 g or more of protein/serving. Only 45% of the yogurt alternatives had calcium levels fortified to at least 10% of daily value (DV), while only about one in five had adequate vitamin D and B12 fortification at the 10% DV level. One-half of the yogurt alternatives had high sugar levels, while 93% were low in sodium. Except for the coconut-based products, the yogurts were not high in fat or saturated fat. The yogurt alternatives were not fortified as frequently or to the same levels as the corresponding non-dairy, plant-based beverages.

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Social norms, attitudes and access to modern contraception for adolescent girls in six districts in Uganda

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-07060-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paul Bukuluki ◽

Peter Kisaakye ◽

Maxime Houinato ◽

Adekemi Ndieli ◽

Evelyn Letiyo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Norms ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Social Norm ◽

Unwanted Pregnancy ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Context Specific ◽

Access To Contraception

Abstract Background Social norms continue to be entrenched in Uganda. Understanding social norms helps to uncover the underlying drivers that influence attitudes and behavior towards contraceptive access and use. This study therefore seeks to investigate the factors that influence the social norm – access to contraception by adolescent girls – in six districts in Uganda. Data and methods: Using data from a community cross-sectional survey in six districts (Amudat, Kaberamaido, Kasese, Moroto, Tororo and Pader) in Uganda, a binary logistic regression model was fitted to examine the variation in individual beliefs and socio-economic and demographic factors on ‘allowing adolescent girls to access contraception in a community’ – we refer to as a social norm. Results Results demonstrate that a higher proportion of respondents hold social norms that inhibit adolescent girls from accessing contraception in the community. After controlling for all variables, the likelihood for adolescent girls to be allowed access to contraception in the community was higher among respondents living in Kaberamaido (OR = 2.58; 95 %CI = 1.23–5.39), Kasese (OR = 2.62; 95 %CI = 1.25–5.47), Pader (OR = 4.35; 95 %CI = 2.15–8.79) and Tororo (OR = 9.44; 95 %CI = 4.59–19.37), those aged 30–34 years likely (OR = 1.73; 95 %CI = 1.03–2.91). However, the likelihood for respondents living in Moroto to agree that adolescent girls are allowed to access contraception was lower (OR = 0.27; 95 %CI = 0.11–0.68) compared to respondents living in Amudat. Respondents who were not formally employed (OR = 0.63; 95 %CI = 0.43–0.91), and those who agreed that withdrawal prevents pregnancy (OR = 0.45; 95 %CI = 0.35–0.57) were less likely to agree that adolescent girls are allowed to access contraception in the community. Respondents who agreed that a girl who is sexually active can use contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy (OR = 1.84; 95 %CI = 1.33–2.53), unmarried women or girls should have access to contraception (OR = 2.15; 95 %CI = 1.61–2.88), married women or girls should have access to contraception (OR = 1.55; 95 %CI = 0.99–2.39) and women know where to obtain contraception for prevention against pregnancy (OR = 2.35; 95 %CI = 1.19–4.65) were more likely to agree that adolescent girls are allowed to access contraception. Conclusions The findings underscore the need for context specific ASRH programs that take into account the differences in attitudes and social norms that affect access and use of contraception by adolescents.

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Dysmenorrhoea among Adolescent Females Attending a Suburban Medical College in West Bengal, India

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.14260/jemds/2021/444 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (29) ◽

pp. 2171-2175

Author(s):

Shelley Seth

Keyword(s):

Adolescent Girls ◽

School Health ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Adolescent Females ◽

The Body ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical College

BACKGROUND Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological problem. Almost half of the female adolescents suffer from it resulting in a major cause of school / college absenteeism. We tried to find out the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea among female adolescents in a suburban population and investigate a potential association between the body mass index, dietary habits and behavioural factors and its correlation with absenteeism. METHODS A cross sectional study was done on 270 adolescent females attending outpatient department of a suburban medical college. We interviewed the selected adolescent girls using a pretested semi structured questionnaire after obtaining their or their parents consent. Statistical analysis was done using frequencies, percentages and chi square test with statistical software package SPSS version 20. RESULTS Total 270 unmarried adolescent girls were interviewed. Among them 51.1 % girls suffered from dysmenorrhoea. 58.7 % patients suffered from mild dysmenorrhoea whereas 27.5 % and 13.8 % suffered from moderate and severe dysmenorrhoea respectively. 59.02 % of girls with normal BMI and 54.55 % of obese girls suffered from dysmenorrhoea. Only 16 % patients with mild dysmenorrhoea were absent from their school or college whereas 63.1 % and 84.2 % of patients with moderate to severe dysmenorrhoea had school or college absenteeism respectively. 74.47 % of patients used to take self-medication. CONCLUSIONS Dysmenorrhoea was a significant cause of absenteeism and habit of self-medication was prevalent. Introduction of a school health program for menstrual health might improve the issues. KEY WORDS Menstruation, Dysmenorrhoea, Adolescents

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