Effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on vitamin D concentration among outdoor and indoor workers in Malaysia


Citation

Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda, . and Amal K. Mitra, . and Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed, . and Norliyana Aris, . and Wan Mohd Izani Wan Mohamed, . Effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on vitamin D concentration among outdoor and indoor workers in Malaysia. pp. 425-439. ISSN 1394–035X

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 (n119) and indoor workers (n119) 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 (p0.001) and sex (p0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference10.39 nmol/l p0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation was also observed (p0.001). However no significant association was found between vitamin D status and monsoon season (1)0.076 p0.783. Conclusion: Seasonal and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum 25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies especially among workers.


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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 (n119) and indoor workers (n119) 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 (p0.001) and sex (p0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference10.39 nmol/l p0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation was also observed (p0.001). However no significant association was found between vitamin D status and monsoon season (1)0.076 p0.783. Conclusion: Seasonal and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum 25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies especially among workers.

Additional Metadata

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Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: Vitamin d
AGROVOC Term: Data collection
AGROVOC Term: Workers
AGROVOC Term: Sunlight exposure
AGROVOC Term: Monsoon climate
AGROVOC Term: Body measurements
AGROVOC Term: Anthropometry
AGROVOC Term: Physical activity
AGROVOC Term: Occupations
Depositing User: Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified: 24 Apr 2025 00:55
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/9779

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