Hypovitaminosis D in Child Population

Introduction: Hypovitaminosis D is a global problem in both, children and adults. At low vitamin D levels bone deformities, growth retardation; as well as increased susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune diseases have been observed in children. Due to its multiple systemic effect, the importance of vitamin D is irreplaceable in development of a child´s organism. The sample and aim of the research: We approached parents of 181 children who visited endocrinological and osteological outpatient clinics in Eastern Slovakia. The aim of the research was to determine the status of hypovitaminosis D in pediatric patients. We investigated the relationship between the lifestyle of a child and the occurrence of hypovitaminosis D. At the same time, we mapped parents' knowledge regarding prevention of hypovitaminosis D development being conducted at pediatric outpatient clinics. Methods: To verify the hypotheses, we used inductive statistical tools – the independent T-test and Chi - square test. Based on the calculated value and the significance level of 0.05, we made decisions about the significance of the differences. Results: By deeper analysis we found that hypovitaminosis D is more common in children with endocrine disorders. The relationship between the incidence of hypovitaminosis D and metabolic disease was not statistically significant. Parental knowledge of appropriate ways of hypovitaminosis D prevention is related to the occurrence of the disease. No significant relationship between the child's lifestyle and the occurrence of hypovitaminosis D has been confirmed. Conclusion: The occurrence of vitamin D deficiency has an adverse effect on human health. It is important to pay particular attention to this issue at the primary prevention level. We also consider it important for the parent to lead the child to an active lifestyle and to responsibility for their own health.