Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between male and female Korean adolescents and to investigate gender-specific factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Methods
This cross-sectional descriptive study included 975 adolescents aged 12-18 years who participated in the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010~2011). Multiple logistic regression using complex sample analysis was performed to examine gender-specific factors associated with vitamin D deficiency with adjustments for covariates.
Results
Among the participants, 82.9% had vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher among female adolescents (88.4%) than their male counterparts (78.4%). A rural place of residence (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19~0.87; p=.021) and daily milk intake (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07~0.75; p=.015) were significant factors significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency in males, while body mass index (OR, 8.40; 95% CI, 1.05~67.04, p=.045) and having breakfast (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10~0.49; p<.001) showed significant relationships in females.
Conclusion
The results of this study provide preliminary evidence for developing effective strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency in Korean adolescents. The different factors influencing vitamin D deficiency in males and females should be considered when providing interventions.

Citations

• Factors Associated with Vitamin D Status Among Korean Female Adolescents
  Ji-Soo Kim
  Journal of Pediatric Nursing.2019; 44: e79.     CrossRef