Anne Björks research

Vitamin D status in women in a Swedish primary health care centre. Comparison between Swedish and immigrant women
 

Background
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many diseases. Low intake of vitamin D in combination with little exposure to sunlight in Nordic countries can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. We aim to measure plasma vitamin D, investigate symptoms and compare food and sun habits in Swedish and immigrant women from the Middle East and Africa attending a primary health care centre in Sweden.

Methods
A cohort of 30 immigrant and 30 Swedish female patients aged 18-75 years will be recruited for a cross-sectional study. Interviews will be performed about symptoms, sun habits, food habits and supplementation with vitamin D. 25-OH-vitamin D and calcium levels in plasma will be measured.

Expected results
Vitamin D deficiency is common in female patients, especially in those with immigrant background. The intake of vitamin D through food is lower in immigrant women. Muscle weakness and pain are common symptoms in women with vitamin D-deficiency. Quality of life measured with EQ-5D is lower for patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Supervisor:
Gunnar Johansson
MD, Professor
Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology
Uppsala University