Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Adults in Kazakhstan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Karibayeva et al., 2024 | Medicina (Kaunas) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Karibayeva Indira, Bilibayeva Galiya, ... Ussebayeva Neilya. Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Adults in Kazakhstan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024-Dec-11;60(12). doi:10.3390/medicina60122043

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Despite frequent references to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Kazakhstan, a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on this issue among adults is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to address this gap by determining the mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Kazakhstan. A secondary objective is to evaluate whether the prevalence differs between healthy adults and those with chronic conditions. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by two independent researchers using the keywords: "vitamin D" AND "Kazakhstan", following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they reported the prevalence of vitamin D in adults in Kazakhstan, defined as a blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D below 20 ng/mL. Results: Seven studies were included in this review, encompassing 3616 individuals, of whom 2239 had vitamin D deficiency. Using a random-effects model, the pooled mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults with chronic conditions was 60% (95% CI, 38-79%), with high heterogeneity. Similarly, the analysis of five studies involving healthy adults revealed a pooled mean prevalence of 55% (95% CI, 38-70%), also with high heterogeneity. Overall, the pooled mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the adult population was 57% (95% CI, 45-69%). Conclusions: This analysis indicates a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults in Kazakhstan, with 57% of the population affected. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms that consider the impact of time zone changes on sunlight exposure and the active involvement of nurse practitioners in preventive strategies.

Key Findings

Seven studies were included in this review, encompassing 3616 individuals, of whom 2239 had vitamin D deficiency. Using a random-effects model, the pooled mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adults with chronic conditions was 60% (95% CI, 38-79%), with high heterogeneity. Similarly, the analysis of five studies involving healthy adults revealed a pooled mean prevalence of 55% (95% CI, 38-70%), also with high heterogeneity. Overall, the pooled mean prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3616
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Kazakhstan
  • Prevalence
  • Adult
  • Vitamin D
  • Female
  • Male

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-d

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09