Effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on vitamin D concentration among outdoor and indoor workers in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2020-0038
- Author:
Norliyana Aris
1
,
2
;
Amal K. Mitra
3
;
Wan Mohd Izani Bin Wan Mohamed
4
;
Wan Abdul Manan Bin Wan Muda
5
;
Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed
1
Author Information
1. Nutrition and Dietetics Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia&
2. Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
3. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39213, USA
4. Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
5. Khazanah Research Institute, Level 25, Mercu UEM, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, 50470, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
25-hydroxyvitamin D, occupation, monsoon, sunlight exposure
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2020;26(No.3):425-439
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Despite abundant sunshine for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, low
levels of vitamin D have been documented among the Malaysian population. The aim
of this study was to characterise the effects of occupational sunlight exposure and
monsoon season on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional study was performed among Malay outdoor (n=119)
and indoor workers (n=119) in Kelantan. Two-point data were collected on the same
participants, first during non-monsoon season and second during the northeast
monsoon season. Data collection comprised of anthropometry measurements (body
mass index and body fat), fasting blood test [serum 25(OH)D concentration], and
questionnaire (physical activity level, sun exposure, sun protection use, and vitamin
D intake). Vitamin D classification was based on the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical
Practice Guidelines. Results: This study found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations
were significantly higher in outdoor compared to indoor workers irrespective of
season (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D
concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference=10.39
nmol/l, p<0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation
was also observed (p<0.001). However, no significant association was found between
vitamin D status and monsoon season [χ2(1)=0.076, p=0.783]. Conclusion: Seasonal
and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum
25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies, especially among
workers.
- Full text:4.2020my0512.pdf
