Exploring demographical, clinical, and dietary determinants of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Douala, Cameroon during the COVID-19 era

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24926
• Publication Date: 2024-02-01T21:14:08Z
• Authors: Arlette Flore Mog...; Wilfried Steve Nd...; Loick Pradel Kojo...; Elisée Libert Emb...; Martin Luther Koa...
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Pandemic

Background and aimVitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global public health problem in African populations. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, characteristics, determinants of VDD era SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. was conducted from January to September 2022 seven facilities Douala, Cameroon.MethodsA structured, pre-tested questionnaire administered each participant collect participants' information. Molecular detection SARS-CoV-2 genome done. A serum level 25-hydroxyvitamin < 20 ng/mL used diagnose VDD.ResultsA total 420 participants were included study. Serum levels 25(OH) vitamin reduced (+) patients as compared (-) (21.69 ± 5.64 vs 42.09 20.03 ng/mL, p 0.0001). The overall prevalence 10.2 %. individuals had nearly two times more risk being (aRR = 1.81, by 46 % 71 those consuming cocoa bean or powder regularly 0.54, 0.03) rarely 0.29, 0.02) never it. Likewise, 59 78 sardine fish 0.47, 0.002) 0.22, 0.03). Overall, association between infection consistent, i.e., individuals, after stratification for confounding variables.ConclusionThis outlined high burden VDD, strong link SARS–CoV–2, suggests possible utility supplementation COVID-19 Cameroon.