Determinants of vitamin D levels in children with CP attending Tertiary Rehabilitation Clinics in Kampala. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/4r5nne29Keywords:
Vitamin D levels in children, Tertiary Rehabilitation Clinics, Bone mineral density, Cerebral palsyAbstract
Background:
The frequent bone fractures brought on by decreased bone mineral density and cognitive deficits in patients with cerebral palsy have been strongly linked with inadequate vitamin D levels. The study aims to investigate the determinants of vitamin D levels in children with CP attending Tertiary Rehabilitation Clinics in Kampala.
Methodology:
Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess normality of continuous variables. Comparisons between groups were conducted using one-way ANOVA for normally distributed variables. Multivariable relationships between vitamin D categories and associated risk factors were assessed using multinomial logistic regression models.
Results:
The mean dietary vitamin D intake among CP children was 0.94 ± 0.61, compared with 1.08 ± 0.57 among non-CP sick children and 1.14 ± 0.49 among healthy children. The average weekly sun exposure among the study groups. The mean weekly sun exposure among children with cerebral palsy was 20.09 ± 10.47 hours, compared with 43.71 ± 12.36 hours among non-CP sick children and 44.52 ± 11.94 hours among healthy children. The correlation analysis was performed between serum vitamin D levels, dietary vitamin D intake, and sunlight exposure among the study participants. Serum vitamin D levels showed a positive correlation with sunlight exposure (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with dietary vitamin D intake (r = 0.29, p = 0.014). A weak positive correlation was also observed between dietary vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure (r = 0.18, p = 0.092).
Conclusion:
Children with cerebral palsy had lower dietary vitamin D intake and substantially less sun exposure, with both factors positively associated with serum vitamin D levels.
Recommendations:
Rehabilitation clinics and pediatric health services should incorporate nutrition education and caregiver awareness programs to promote appropriate dietary practices and sunlight exposure among children with disabilities.
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