PYSCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN SENIOR CITIZENS OF BANGALORE CITY

Dr. Jyothi Vybhavi V.S.

Volume : IX, Issue : I, January - 2020

PYSCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN SENIOR CITIZENS OF BANGALORE CITY

Dr. Jyothi Vybhavi V. S.

Abstract :

The older population is at a high risk of Vitamin–D deficiency due to decreased cutaneous synthesis and dietary intake of Vitamin–D. Results from previous studies examining associations between serum 25– hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and depressive symptoms are equivocal. Hence this study was undertaken in order to find the association between vitamin D and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in a cross–sectional analysis of a population–based sample of elderly residing in Bangalore city. The objectives of this study are 1. To assess Serum 25(OH) Vitamin–D in the elderly. 2. To assess symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in the elderly with different levels of Vitamin–D. This study involved 80 healthy elderly subjects with consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consent was taken. For each subject, fasting blood sample of 4ml was collected for Serum 25(OH) Vitamin–D assessment. Anthropometric measurements were taken. 24–hour dietary recall, General History Questionnaire and Mental health symptoms were assessed using the 21–item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS–21). Associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and total DASS–21 scores and subscale scores of depression, anxiety and stress were explored using negative binomial regression, adjusting for age, race, BMI and physical activity. The comparison of Serum Vitamin–D levels and DASS–21 components showed that the mean scores for Depression, anxiety and Stress were significantly higher in the Vitamin–D deficient participants, indicating that the Vitamin–D deficient participants had worst Psychological consequences. It can be concluded that a significant correlation was found between Serum Vitamin–D deficiency and poor psychological health. Based on the results of this study, psychological health for elderly can be improved by providing regular examinations and checking their Serum Vitamin–D levels and supplementing Vitamin–D to the elderly to enhance their quality of Life.