What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate vitamin D status, testing indications, and comorbidities over five years in Oman.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Vitamin D Status and Test Utilization: A Five-Year Analysis

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate vitamin D status, testing indications, and comorbidities over five years in Oman.
Retrospective cross-sectional design
Included all vitamin D test requests from primary healthcare to Sohar Hospital
Classified vitamin D status as deficient, insufficient, or sufficient
Analyzed demographic variables, clinical indications, and comorbidities
Assessed temporal trends in testing patterns
3,081 patients included, mostly women and Omani nationals
High rates of vitamin D sufficiency overall, but higher insufficiency in younger and middle-aged women
Lower rates of vitamin D deficiency in children, higher in adolescents
Many test requests did not align with clinical guidelines
Common comorbidities in low vitamin D patients included anemia, hypertension, and hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background Vitamin D testing has increased markedly over the past decade, often exceeding evidence-based recommendations that discourage routine screening in low-risk populations. This growing demand has raised concerns regarding test overutilization, misalignment with clinical indications, and the uncertain impact on patient management. This study aimed to assess vitamin D status, clinical indications for testing, and associated comorbidities over a five-year period in North Batinah, Oman, while evaluating the clinical utility of vitamin D testing in routine practice. Methodology A retrospective cross-sectional study included all vitamin D requests by the primary healthcare institutes sent to Sohar Hospital, the sole regional laboratory providing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) testing. All Omani and non-Omani residents who underwent testing between January 2018 and November 2022 were included. Vitamin D status was classified as deficient (50 nmol/L). Demographic variables, documented clinical indications, and comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anemia, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, were analyzed, alongside temporal trends in testing patterns. Results A total of 3,081 patients were included, predominantly women and Omani nationals. Overall, vitamin D sufficiency was high across the cohort. However, vitamin D insufficiency was more prevalent among younger and middle-aged adults, particularly women, whereas older adults demonstrated higher sufficiency rates. Pediatric vitamin D deficiency was uncommon, though adolescents showed increased rates of insufficiency. A substantial proportion of vitamin D test requests were not aligned with guideline-supported clinical indications. Among individuals with low vitamin D levels, anemia, hypertension, and hypothyroidism were the most frequently observed comorbidities, while diabetes mellitus did not demonstrate a strong association. Conclusion Despite increasing testing volumes, clinically significant vitamin D deficiency was relatively uncommon, suggesting the potential overutilization of testing. These findings highlight the need for targeted, indication-based vitamin D testing strategies and strengthened laboratory stewardship to improve clinical value and optimize healthcare resource utilization.

Bookmark

View Full Paper