A STUDY ON THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AMONG INDIVIDUAL WITH LOWER VITAMIN D LEVELS

Objective: This research aims to determine the factors that are responsible for the symptoms of depression among individuals with lower vitamin D levels.

Methods: The current study adopted an approach that is exploratory study design which is deductive in nature such that the generalized observations on the relationship between depression and vitamin D deficiency can be specified into certain sections for better correlation and understanding. The sample size undertaken for the study was 811 in order to better understand the factors responsible and their contribution towards the formation of link between depression and vitamin D deficiency.

Results: The study included 811 participants. The most frequent weight among them was 66-75 kg (n= 296, 36.5%) followed by 51-65 kg (n= 207, 25.5%). The most frequent height among study participants was 151-160 cm (n= 319, 39.3%) followed by 161-170 cm (n= 268, 33%). The most frequent body mass index value among study participants was 18.5-24.9 kg/m² (n= 323, 39.8%) followed by 25-29.9 kg/m² (n= 273, 33.7%). Skin color varied among study participants with most of them had medium skin color (n= 372, 45.9%) followed by fair skin color (n= 345, 42.5%) and the least common skin color is morena (n= 94, 11.6%). The perceived daily calorie intake varied among study participants with most of them had 2000-2999 Kcal. Participants physical activity was low. The most frequent food was rice (n= 245, 30.2%) followed by dairy products (n= 186, 22.9%). Social connection was average among most of participants (n= 372, 45.9%) and good among 352 participants (43.4%). On the contrary, it was bad among 87 participants (10.7%).

Conclusion: Study results showed that most of study participants are overweight according to their BMI. Most common skin color was medium followed by fair skin. Participants eat high calorie intake. They experience sun burning sensations often. Their daily intake relies on rice and dairy products. Their physical activity is low. In addition, most of study participants had good social connection.