Prevalence and Factors Associated with Vitamin D Inadequacy in the Elderly Population of South Sulawesi

Background: Vitamin D inadequacy remains a health issue in elderly population of Indonesia. Vitamin D has skeletal and non-skeletal effects, that can improve elderly quality of life. Various factors associated with inadequate vitamin D levels are observed in this study. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D inadequacy in the elderly population of South Sulawesi. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using multistage cluster random sampling conducted in Makassar City and East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province, from December 2024 to May 2025. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using questionnaire and Serum vitamin D levels were measured using the Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) method. Results: A total of 301 subjects met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with median age 68 (64 – 73) years old and mainly female (62,79%).The prevalence of Vitamin D inadequacy is 53,5%. Multivariate test showed low sun exposure [PR: 2,226 95% CI (1,731 – 2,862)], sedentary physical activity [ PR: 1,548 95% CI (1,159 – 2,067)], live in urban area [PR: 1,356 95% CI (1,083 – 1,697)], fall history [PR: 1,257 95% CI (1,047 – 1,553)] are variables associated with vitamin D inadequacy. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in the elderly population of South Sulawesi is 53.5%. Factors associated with vitamin D inadequacy are low sun exposure, sedentary physical activity, live in urban area, and fall history.