Factors Associated with Vitamin D Status Among Korean Female Adolescents

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female adolescents in South Korea is the highest in East Asia. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors associated with vitamin D status among female adolescents in South Korea.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a data set from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2012). Participants comprised 734 female adolescents aged 12-18 years. A general linear model using a complex samples design was employed.

The mean vitamin D level of the participants was 14.90 ng/mL. Among these participants, 87.6% had a vitamin D deficiency. As their age increased by one year, their vitamin D level decreased by 0.47 ng/mL. Female adolescents with a low household income had vitamin D levels lower by 1.88 ng/mL than those with a high household income. Vitamin D levels in female adolescents who skipped lunch was lower by 3.41 ng/mL than those who had lunch.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female adolescents in South Korea is considerable. The findings suggest that age, socioeconomic status, and skipping a meal were associated with vitamin D status in female adolescents, but physical activity was not.

As the findings of this study indicate, older female adolescents and those from lower household incomes may be at higher risk for lower levels of Vitamin D. Counseling female adolescents as to dietary measures to avoid vitamin D deficiency is advised. Preventive health for at risk female adolescents includes provision of health education and counseling.