Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a global public health concern, affecting populations across all age groups and geographical regions. Medical students represent a particularly vulnerable population due to demanding academic schedules, limited outdoor exposure, and irregular lifestyle patterns. Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among this population is essential for developing targeted preventive interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a six-month period. A total of 384 students from all academic years were enrolled through stratified random sampling. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, dietary habits, sun exposure patterns, and physical activity levels. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels