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Mendes MM, Gomes APO, Araújo MM, Coelho ASG, Carvalho KMB, Botelho PB. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 2023; 81:1290-1309. [PMID: 36882047 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Vitamin D deficiency is considered a global public health issue, even in low-latitude countries where there is abundant sunlight radiation. Nevertheless, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the South American continent has not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxy-calciferol < 20 ng/mL) in South American populations. DATA SOURCES Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, SciELO, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched systematically for observational studies published before July 1, 2021, and reporting vitamin D status of healthy adults in South America. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted using a standardized form. Risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument for Studies Reporting Prevalence. All steps were conducted independently by two authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted (R software). DATA ANALYSIS Of 9460 articles identified, 96 studies with a total of 227 758 participants were included. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 34.76% (79 studies; 95%CI, 29.68-40.21; I2 = 99%). There were significant differences in prevalence rates related to age, sex, country, latitude, season, and year of publication. CONCLUSION The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is unexpectedly elevated in South American populations. Public health strategies should include efforts to prevent, detect, and treat vitamin D deficiency. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number CRD42020169439.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela M Mendes
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Anna P O Gomes
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Maísa M Araújo
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S G Coelho
- Department of Biology, Agronomy School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Kênia M B Carvalho
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Patrícia B Botelho
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
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Feehan O, Magee PJ, Pourshahidi LK, Armstrong DJ, McSorley EM. Vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents: a systematic review. Nutr Rev 2023; 81:804-822. [PMID: 36367832 PMCID: PMC10251303 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health issue, particularly in nursing home residents. OBJECTIVE This review critically summarizes the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents worldwide. In addition, it outlines the effect of vitamin D intervention, alone or in combination with other nutrients or therapies, on improving vitamin D status and associated health outcomes in nursing home residents. DATA SOURCES, EXTRACTION, AND ANALYSIS Searches were conducted of electronic databases for articles published from 2010 to May 2021. After screening of the 366 papers initially identified, 58 articles were included. CONCLUSIONS A paucity of observational studies in nursing homes suggests a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranging from 8% [25(OH)D <25 nmol/L], up to 94% [25(OH)D <50 nmol/L] in some cohorts where supplement use was low. Reported factors associated with deficiency and suboptimal vitamin D status include lack of sunlight exposure, poor dietary intake of vitamin D, limited vitamin D food fortification, frailty, poor renal function, and low use of vitamin D supplements. Residents who are severely deficient, deficient, or insufficient in vitamin D require remedial vitamin D supplementation prior to maintenance supplementation at doses >800 IU/day. High-dose vitamin D supplementation may reduce respiratory illness; however, supportive data are limited. Oral nutritional supplements, in combination with exercise, may benefit physical function and performance, whereas supplementation with vitamin D- and calcium-fortified foods has been associated with improved quality of life and reduced bone resorption. Globally, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in nursing home residents. There is an urgent need for standardized dietary and supplementation guidelines to prevent deficiency in this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlagh Feehan
- are with the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Magee
- are with the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - L Kirsty Pourshahidi
- are with the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- are with the Department of Rheumatology, Altnagelvin Hospital, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - David J Armstrong
- are with the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- are with the Department of Rheumatology, Altnagelvin Hospital, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- are with the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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25-Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Levels Linked to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2228570, rs2282679, rs10741657) in Skeletal Muscle Aging in Institutionalized Elderly Men Not Supplemented with Vitamin D. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911846. [PMID: 36233147 PMCID: PMC9569711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia (Sp) is the loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with aging that results in an involution of muscle function and strength. Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem worldwide, especially among the elderly, and hypovitaminosis D leads to musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact and presence of a possible linkage between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) CYP2R1 (rs10741657), GC (rs2282679), and VDR (rs2228570), serum 25-OH/D concentrations and the link with the degree of sarcopenia in 19 institutionalized elderly men not supplemented with vitamin D. Levels of 25-OH vitamin D were quantified with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and 3 SNPs were genotyped with KASPar assays. Significant differences in 25-OH/D concentration were determined between the bi-allelic combinations of rs228679 and rs228570. We detected statistically significant weak positive correlations between the AA (rs10741657 and rs228570) and TT (rs228679) and alleles and 25-OH/D and the probability of having higher 25-OH/D concentrations was 2- to 3-fold higher. However, the GG alleles of the 3 SNPs showed that the probability of having optimal 25-0H/D concentrations decreases by 32% for rs10741657, 38% for rs228679, and 74% for rs228570, showing a strong negative correlation between the degree of sarcopenia and 25-OH/D levels. Allelic variations in CYP2R1 (rs10741657), GC (rs2282679), and VDR (rs10741657) affect vitamin D levels and decisively influence the degree of sarcopenia in institutionalized elderly people.
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Association between lower serum vitamin D (25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol) concentrations and cognitive impairment in older adults: data from a populational-based cohort study in a middle-income country. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:2507-2516. [PMID: 34689855 PMCID: PMC9991716 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021004407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between serum vitamin D (25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol) (25(OH)D) concentrations and cognitive impairment in older adults living in Southern Brazil. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis using data from the second follow-up wave of the populational-based EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study was collected in 2013-2014. SETTING Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Blood samples were collected to measure serum vitamin D concentrations using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Vitamin D concentrations were distributed in quartiles (Q1: 4·0-20·7 ng/ml; Q2: 20·8-26·6 ng/ml; Q3: 26·7-32·0 ng/ml and Q4: 32·1-60·1 ng/ml), and its association with cognitive impairment was tested by crude and adjusted logistic regression (sociodemographic, behavioural and health aspects) using Q4 as a reference group. PARTICIPANTS 200 men and 371 women aged 60 years or older participated in this study. RESULTS The prevalence of probable cognitive impairment was 21·7 %. Those without cognitive impairment had a higher mean of vitamin D serum concentrations (26·8 v. 24·6, P = 0·014). In the crude analysis, only individuals in Q2 of vitamin D presented an increased risk for probable cognitive impairment compared with Q4 (highest quartile) (OR 2·65, 95 % CI 1·46, 4·81), remaining significant in the adjusted analysis (OR 6·04, 95 % CI 2·78, 13·13). While Q1 (lowest quartile) was not associated in the crude analysis, but when adjusted, an increased risk of cognitive impairment was observed. CONCLUSION The lowest quartile of vitamin D was directly associated with probable cognitive impairment in older adults in Southern Brazil. More studies are needed to investigate whether maintaining adequate serum levels may represent a significant factor in preventing age-related neurological disorders as well as to verify the need for new cutoff points for this age group.
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Torres de Araújo JR, Macedo Ferreira LMDB, Jerez-Roig J, Costa de Lima K. Mobility Limitation in Older Adults Residing in Nursing Homes in Brazil Associated With Advanced Age and Poor Nutritional Status: An Observational Study. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2022; 45:E137-E144. [PMID: 33734157 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mobility is a basic human need, and its limitation compromises health status, especially in older adults from developing countries and residing in nursing homes. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mobility limitation in older adults residing in nursing homes. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 older adults (≥60 years) residing in 10 nursing homes in Northeast Brazil. Mobility limitation was evaluated using the "walking" item of the Barthel index. Sociodemographic/economic data concerning the participants and institutions, as well as conditions that could influence the mobility state of the older adults, were collected. The χ2 test and multiple logistic regression were performed using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The prevalence of mobility limitation was 65.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.6-70.4). Walking dependence was identified in 39.7% of the sample (26.9% wheelchair users and 12.8% bedridden), while 25.9% walked with assistance (16.7% with maximal assistance and 9.2% with minimal assistance). Mobility limitation was significantly associated with malnutrition/risk of malnutrition (1.86, 95% CI, 1.54-2.26, P < .001) and age ≥81 years (1.35, 95% CI, 1.12-1.63, P = .002). CONCLUSION Mobility limitation has a high prevalence among older adults residing in nursing homes in Brazil, and is associated with advanced age and poor nutritional status. Health professionals should advocate for the maintenance of mobility and adequate nutritional support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Javier Jerez-Roig
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Kenio Costa de Lima
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Institute Envelhecer, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Vitamin D and Bone Health of Older Adults within Care Homes: An Observational Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132680. [PMID: 35807859 PMCID: PMC9268702 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited studies have reported vitamin D status and health outcomes in care home residents, a group at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This study investigated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations in older adults within care homes in Northern Ireland (NI) and its association with musculoskeletal health (ultrasound T-score, muscle strength, Timed Up & Go test (TUG)), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and immune function markers. A total of 87 participants were recruited with mean ± SD age 83.2 ± 7.9 years. Mean ± SD serum 25-OHD concentration (n 69) was 49.52 ± 35.58 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD <25 nmol/L) was observed in 34.8% (n 24) of participants with 17.4% (n 12) classified as insufficient (25-OHD 25−50 nmol/L) and 47.8% (n 33) as sufficient (25-OHD >50 nmol/L). 25-OHD concentration was not an independent predictor of T-score, muscle strength, TUG, or inflammatory cytokines. After adjusting for covariates, a significant negative association was observed between 25-OHD concentration and the BTMs; osteocalcin (β = −0.395; p = 0.001), procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) (β = −0.320; p = 0.012), and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) (β = −0.377; p = 0.003). Higher 25-OHD concentration was positively associated with use of vitamin D ± calcium supplementation (β = 0.610; p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in this sample of care home residents in NI. Higher 25-OHD concentration was associated with greater supplement use and with reduced bone turnover, which in this population is linked with reduced bone loss. These findings emphasize the need for a mandatory vitamin D ± calcium supplementation policy specific for care home residents.
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Santos ATD, Zardo ADLG, Kalva DC, Maciel MAS. Evaluation of vitamin D and inflammatory markers in elderly. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902022e20248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Nowak J, Hudzik B, Jagielski P, Kulik-Kupka K, Danikiewicz A, Zubelewicz-Szkodzińska B. Lack of Seasonal Variations in Vitamin D Concentrations among Hospitalized Elderly Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041676. [PMID: 33572447 PMCID: PMC7916205 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Generally, most vitamin D in the human body (90–95%) is produced in the skin during exposure to sunlight. The effectiveness of this process depends on several biological and physical factors, e.g., age or latitude. Skin synthesis of vitamin D among elderly people is reduced. The aim of the study was to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] seasonal variations in elderly patients hospitalized at the geriatric department. Methods. The study was carried out on 242 patients aged 60 years or older hospitalized at the geriatric department. The study group was categorized by four seasons as well as month. Results. The median (interquartile range) 25(OH)D concentration among all patients (n = 242) was 33.95 (26.96–45.18) nmol/L. There was no statistical significance in the median serum 25(OH)D concentration with regard to each of the four seasons: in the spring 32.95 (25.96–43.68) nmol/L, in the summer 38.69 (27.46–50.67) nmol/L, in the autumn 33.45 (27.08–44.18) nmol/L, in the winter 34.57 (23.46–43.93) nmol/L, (p = 0.48). Conclusions. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in all geriatric patients, irrespective of the season. The results of the study indicate no significant differences in median vitamin D concentration among the hospitalized patients across all four seasons. Even in the summer months, in our climate, it is fairly difficult for an elderly person to produce an adequate amount of vitamin D through the skin. Therefore, proper vitamin D supplementation is recommended and should be implemented in the elderly irrespective of the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Nowak
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-900 Bytom, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +483-2397-6541
| | - Bartosz Hudzik
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-900 Bytom, Poland;
- Third Department of Cardiology, Silesian Center for Heart Disease, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Paweł Jagielski
- Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-007 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Karolina Kulik-Kupka
- Department of Nutrition-Related Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-900 Bytom, Poland; (K.K.-K.); (A.D.); (B.Z.-S.)
| | - Aleksander Danikiewicz
- Department of Nutrition-Related Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-900 Bytom, Poland; (K.K.-K.); (A.D.); (B.Z.-S.)
| | - Barbara Zubelewicz-Szkodzińska
- Department of Nutrition-Related Disease Prevention, Department of Metabolic Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-900 Bytom, Poland; (K.K.-K.); (A.D.); (B.Z.-S.)
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Leão LMCS, Rodrigues BC, Dias PTP, Gehrke B, de Souza TDSP, Hirose CK, Freire MDC. Vitamin D status and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in different genders throughout life stages: A Brazilian cross-sectional study. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2021; 76:e2571. [PMID: 33852654 PMCID: PMC8009065 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2021/e2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the mean concentration of 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH) D] and prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in individuals residing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS The data of 80,000 consecutive individuals who had 25(OH) D measurements performed by electrochemiluminescence between 1/2/2018 and 2/5/2018 were selected. Patients who reported the use of therapies/supplements were excluded. Levels of 25(OH) D ≥20 ng/mL (ages <60 years) and ≥30 ng/mL (ages ≥60 years) were considered adequate. RESULTS We analyzed the data of 24,074 individuals (1-95 years old, 64.7% female). Descriptive curves showed that, in both sexes, the mean values of 25(OH) D decreased from the first years of life until adolescence, then slightly increased, and then tended to stabilize during adulthood. Levels of 25(OH) D <20 ng/mL were observed in 6% of girls versus 3.6% of boys and in 13.6% of adolescent girls versus 12.6% of adolescent boys and 11% of adults. The percentage of seniors with serum levels of 25(OH) D <20 ng/mL was 13.6% in women and 12.7% in men; 53.2% of women and 50.6% of men had levels <30 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS Mean 25(OH) D values were higher in children and lower in adolescents and women. Approximately 90% of non-seniors and presumably healthy residents of the urban metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro presented satisfactory levels of 25(OH) D during the summer months; however, in over half of the elderly, the serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were inadequate. Therefore, strategies for the prevention of hypovitaminosis D should be considered in the senior population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenora M. Camarate S.M. Leão
- Servico de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitario Pedro Ernesto, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
| | | | - Paulo Telles Pires Dias
- Nucleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Atencao ao Uso de Drogas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Bioestatistica (MEB-ISC), Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, BR
| | - Bárbara Gehrke
- Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Fisiopatologia Clinica e Experimental (FISCLINEX), Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
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Cacho PM, Hernández JL, López-Hoyos M, Martínez-Taboada VM. Can climatic factors explain the differences in COVID-19 incidence and severity across the Spanish regions?: An ecological study. Environ Health 2020; 19:106. [PMID: 33050915 PMCID: PMC7552591 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental factors play a central role in seasonal epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain has shown a heterogeneous geographical pattern This study aimed to assess the influence of several climatic factors on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19 among the Spanish Autonomous Communities (AA.CC.). METHODS Data on coronavirus infectivity and severity of COVID-19 disease, as well as the climatic variables were obtained from official sources (Ministry of Health and Spanish Meteorological Agency, respectively). To assess the possible influence of climate on the development of the disease, data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were collected during the months before the start of the pandemic. To analyze its influence on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, data on UVR, temperature, and humidity were obtained from the months of highest contagiousness to the peak of the pandemic. RESULTS From October 2019 to January 2020, mean UVR was significantly related not only to SARS-CoV-2 infection (cumulative incidence -previous 14 days- × 105 habitants, rho = - 0.0,666; p = 0.009), but also with COVID-19 severity, assessed as hospital admissions (rho = - 0.626; p = 0.017) and ICU admissions (rho = - 0.565; p = 0.035). Besides, temperature (February: rho = - 0.832; p < 0.001 and March: rho = - 0.904; p < 0.001), was the main climatic factor responsible for the infectivity of the coronavirus and directly contributed to a different spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the Spanish regions. CONCLUSIONS Climatic factors may partially explain the differences in COVID-19 incidence and severity across the different Spanish regions. The knowledge of these factors could help to develop preventive and public health actions against upcoming outbreaks of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Muñoz Cacho
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria, Servicio Cántabro de Salud, Santander, Spain
| | - José L. Hernández
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Hoyos
- Division of Immunology, Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Víctor M. Martínez-Taboada
- Facultad de Medicina, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
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