Vitamin D Deficiency Screening in Uninsured Midwestern Adults

Introduction: Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is a pandemic impacting roughly 1 billion people worldwide. Vitamin D is important to normal body function. A risk assessment is recommended to identify individuals who need serum testing and treatment before symptom onset. Methods: Four themes were found in the evidence search. First, vitamin D has a large impact on the body’s function. Second, an assessment tool should be used to determine the risk of insufficiency and deficiency. Third, education impacts knowledge, skills, and attitudes about vitamin D. Finally, education improves patient adherence to prevention strategies. Gaps: Gaps in knowledge exist about vitamin D levels and their relation to disease. Additionally, the specific dose and length of time vitamin D supplements are necessary to prevent disease and fractures is not well studied. Additionally, the impact health disparities have on the diagnosis and treatment of low vitamin D levels is not well documented. Recommendations of Practice: An assessment tool should be used to identify risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. If at risk, diagnose individuals using serum 25(OH)D tests. All individuals should be educated on prevention measures for vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding vitamin D