Nutritional Rickets Among Children: A Retrospective Study from Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Nutritional rickets presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure and undernourishment.
• Prevalence is increasing in certain global areas, necessitating localized investigations into contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with nutritional deficiency rickets in children.
• Focus on children residing in Jazan Province, southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing descriptive data from medical records.
• Analysis of 84 pediatric rickets cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2020.
• Inclusion of symptomatic cases diagnosed via biochemical and clinical tests.

Main Results:

• The majority of the 84 pediatric patients were female, aged 11-18 years, with a mean BMI of 21.21.
• The primary risk factor identified was nutritional deficiency, specifically vitamin D and calcium deficiency.
• Malnutrition, limited sunlight exposure, and a family history of vitamin D deficiency were prevalent among affected children.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional rickets is prevalent in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, underscoring the need for public health initiatives.
• Ensuring adequate sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake is critical for rickets prevention.
• Further national studies are recommended to refine risk factor identification and develop targeted prevention strategies.