Publication:

Serum calcium level among school-going adolescent girls in Bangladesh and their correlation with vitamin D level

Background Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health during adolescence, a period of rapid bone mass accrual. Adolescent girls in Bangladesh are at increased risk of deficiency due to dietary factors and limited sunlight exposure. This study evaluated serum calcium levels among urban and rural school-going adolescent girls and examined the association between serum calcium and vitamin D status.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, from July 2017 to December 2018 among 140 school-going adolescent girls aged 10–19 years (70 urban, 70 rural). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary and lifestyle data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results Urban girls had significantly higher mean serum calcium levels than rural girls (9.12±0.48 vs. 8.86±0.52 mg/dl; p=0.003) but lower vitamin D levels (19.4±7.2 vs. 22.8±8.1 ng/ml; p=0.010). Low serum calcium was observed in 11% of urban and 24% of rural girls. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among urban girls (55.7%) than rural girls (40.0%). Vitamin D status was significantly associated with serum calcium levels (p=0.012), with sufficient vitamin D linked to normal serum calcium. Rural girls had greater sunlight exposure (43.8±18.7 vs. 21.6±12.4 min/day; p<0.001).

Conclusions Hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency are common among Bangladeshi adolescent girls, with significant urban–rural differences. Improved nutrition, dietary counselling and promotion of outdoor activities are needed.