https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0620-5176
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Abstract
Background
Nutritional rickets remains a significant concern in certain countries, with increasing prevalence attributed to factors such as limited sunlight exposure and undernourishment. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with rickets due to nutritional deficiency in children from Jazan Province, southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using descriptive data from medical records at a tertiary hospital in Jazan Province. Records of patients diagnosed with rickets between January 2010 and December 2020 were analyzed. Symptomatic rickets cases from pediatric clinics were included, and diagnoses were based on biochemical and clinical tests. Risk factors were assessed using patient medical records. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, and standard deviation.
Results
The study included 84 patients with rickets (53 females and 31 males), primarily between 11–18 years old. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 21.21. The most common risk factor was nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency or calcium deficiency, with 75 patients reporting a family history of vitamin D deficiency. The children had limited sunlight exposure and low levels of calcium and vitamin D. Malnutrition was identified as the highest risk factor for rickets in the study population.
Conclusion
Nutritional rickets appears to be prevalent in the Jazan Province, emphasizing the need for government organizations to address this preventable disease. Adequate sun exposure and recommended dietary vitamin D intake are crucial to prevent rickets, as this study detected inadequate levels of calcium and vitamin D in children. National studies are required to further identify risk factors and develop appropriate strategies.
Institutional Review Board Statement
The study protocol was approved by the internal review board of the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health in the Jazan Region. Approval No: 22055; date: 15 June 2022.
Informed Consent Statement
Waived, due to the nature retrospective study and Patients’ files were relied upon without their names
Data Sharing Statement
Data is available upon request from researchers. Kindly contact the first author privately through e-mail.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the data collectors, nurses, and pediatricians at King Fahad Central Hospital for their help.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.