Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Adults in Kazakhstan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Karibayeva I. Bilibayeva G. Yerzhanova A. Alekesheva R. Iglikova A. Maxudova M. Ussebayeva N.
December 2024Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Medicina (Lithuania)
2024#60Issue 12
Background and Objectives: Despite frequent references to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Kazakhstan, a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on this issue among adults is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to address this gap by determining the mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Kazakhstan. A secondary objective is to evaluate whether the prevalence differs between healthy adults and those with chronic conditions. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by two independent researchers using the keywords: “vitamin D” AND “Kazakhstan”, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they reported the prevalence of vitamin D in adults in Kazakhstan, defined as a blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D below 20 ng/mL. Results: Seven studies were included in this review, encompassing 3616 individuals, of whom 2239 had vitamin D deficiency. Using a random-effects model, the pooled mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults with chronic conditions was 60% (95% CI, 38–79%), with high heterogeneity. Similarly, the analysis of five studies involving healthy adults revealed a pooled mean prevalence of 55% (95% CI, 38–70%), also with high heterogeneity. Overall, the pooled mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the adult population was 57% (95% CI, 45–69%). Conclusions: This analysis indicates a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Kazakhstan, with 57% of the population affected. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms that consider the impact of time zone changes on sunlight exposure and the active involvement of nurse practitioners in preventive strategies.
adults , Kazakhstan , meta-analysis , prevalence , systematic review , vitamin D , vitamin D deficiency
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Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, 30460, GA, United States
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050038, Kazakhstan
Department of Health Policy and Community Health
Department of Nursing
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