Burden of back pain and its association with vitamin D deficiency among industrial workers in Belagavi, Karnataka

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is common worldwide and India, it has been estimated that 490 million people are Vit D deficient, indicating a significant public health problem in India. It is now considered more of a hormone than a nutrient due to the effects it has on the body metabolism. Known as the “sunshine” hormone, it is responsible for calcium homeostasis, cell proliferation and differentiation, and regulation of the immune and the neuromuscular systems. Vitamin D receptors binds calcitriol, an activated form of Vitamin D and regulate the expression of large numbers of genes across various tissues in the human body affecting the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, immune system and nervous system.Objective: To assess the prevalence of back pain and its association with Vitamin D deficiency among industrial workers.Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 Industrial workers in an iron manufacturing units of industrial area, Belagavi, from April 2024 to December 2024. Vitamin D levels were assessed for the industrial workers. Data was analysed using SPSS software.Result: Notable findings include a significant association between gender (p=0.011), weekly work hours (p=0.003), duration of work breaks (p