Urban-Rural Disparities in Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study on Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalence in Kurdistan Region / Iraq

Background: In sun-rich regions like the Middle East, where cultural customs and urbanization reduce UVB exposure, Vitamin D Deficiency (VDD) is a global health issue. VDD is prevalent in Iraq, but Kurdistan Region data on urban-rural inequalities, lipid profiles, and gender differences is scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in urban and rural populations of Kurdistan, Iraq, while investigating correlations with lipid profiles and gender. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 214 individuals (83 men, 131 females) from urban (Sulaymaniyah) and rural regions. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were gathered, and statistical analyses (Mann-Whitney U, t-tests, Pearson correlations) were performed utilizing SPSS and GraphPad. Results: No notable disparity in vitamin D levels between urban and rural populations was detected (p = 0.346). Rural residents had reduced LDL levels compared to their urban counterparts (p = 0.025). Males had elevated vitamin D levels compared to females (16.98 vs. 15.63 ng/mL, p = 0.021), with more variability observed in females. Conclusion: Urbanization did not forecast vitamin D levels in Kurdistan, indicating counterbalancing influences (dietary supplements against cultural practices). Gender differences underscore societal and biological determinants. The lack of vitamin D-lipid associations highlights the intricacy of metabolic processes.