Vitamin D deficiency in elderly people in Ecuador

Francisco J. Rodríguez-Lanfranco, Geriatric Hospitalization Service, Hospital de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor; Geriatrics Service, Hospital Metropolitano. Quito, Ecuador
Karina E. Pazmiño-Vizuete, Geriatric Hospitalization Service, Hospital de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor; Geriatrics Service, Hospital Metropolitano. Quito, Ecuador
Gloria P. Cueva-Martínez, Geriatric Hospitalization Service, Hospital de Atención Integral del Adulto Mayor; Geriatrics Service, Hospital Metropolitano. Quito, Ecuador
Edy Quizhpe, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden

Background: In Ecuador, the increase in the older adult population requires specific attention to problems, such as vitamin D deficiency, associated with frailty, fractures, and chronic diseases. Factors such as limited sun exposure and socioeconomic barriers aggravate this deficiency, despite a favorable climate. Objective: This study analyzed vitamin D levels in over-65s in a hospital in 2020, considering sociodemographic variables to guide interventions to improve their health and quality of life. Material and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study that determined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and examined their relationship with sex and age. Results: The mean vitamin D status was 18.57 ng/mL. Deficiency was found in 62.8%, more frequent in women (66.9%) than in men (49.7%). There was a negative correlation between age and vitamin D levels, with significant differences by gender. Conclusion: The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in older adults highlights the urgency of establishing preliminary specific protocols for its evaluation and management as well as promoting educational campaigns to increase safe sun exposure.

Keywords: Geriatrics. Vitamin D. Elderly. Ecuador.