Association Between Physical Activity and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Among Adolescents in Northern Sudan: A...

Background: The association between physical activity and vitamin D status is not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors, including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration, among adolescents in Northern Sudan. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Almatamah, River Nile State, Sudan, and a questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data. Standardized methods were used to measure physical activity and serum 25(OH)D levels. Physical activity was expressed as metabolic equivalent minutes per week (MET-min/week). A multivariate binary regression was performed. Results: Three hundred and thirteen adolescents [159 (50.8%) males and 154 (49.2%) females] were enrolled in the study. The median (interquartile, IQR) values for age, 25(OH)D, and physical activity were 15.1 (14.0-16.2) years, 20.2 (9.6-31.2) ng/mL, and 1080 (495-3360) MET-min/week, respectively. The median (IQR) physical activity score was higher in males than in females [3287.5 (1680.0-4659.0) MET-min/week vs. 495.0 (314.3-990.0) MET-min/week]. Of the enrolled adolescents, 220 (70.3%) had inadequate physical activity levels (<3000 MET-min/week). Serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in adolescents with inadequate physical activity than in those with adequate physical activity levels [17.7 (7.8-28.0) ng/mL vs. 26.4 (17.3-36.8) ng/mL]. In the multivariable binary analysis, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 35.0; 95% CI: 13.89-88.08), a lower paternal education level (AOR: 2.812; 95% CI: 1.39-5.70), and having a skilled father (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.05-4.12) were factors associated with inadequate physical activity among adolescents, whereas 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with insufficient physical activity (AOR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.99). Conclusions: Interventions are needed to address the high level of physical inactivity among adolescents in Northern Sudan, particularly among girls. Programs that promote physical activity both at home and school help ensure that children and adolescents maintain adequate physical activity and 25(OH)D levels.