Relationships between comorbidities and vitamin D intake with COVID-19 severity

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is a nutrient/hormone-like vitamin involved in immune regulation, which, in turn, affects morbidity and mortality rates, including in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vitamin D strengthens both specific and nonspecific immunity and modulates the body’s response to infection. Objective: This study aims to determine the association between comorbidities and vitamin D intake with the severity of COVID-19. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional observational study with a sample comprised of 66 people, ages 19 to 58, receiving treatment for COVID-19 at Pasar Rebo District Hospital. The primary data were collected via a questionnaire administered via the WhatsApp application or through direct interviews, encompassing variables such as age, gender, comorbidity, and vitamin D intake. The Vitamin D Dietary Intake Questionnaire was conducted using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Vitamin D intake is categorized into two groups: low (<600 IU/day) and adequate (≥600-4,000 IU/day). Comorbidities are other illnesses that a person has, such as asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. The severity of COVID-19 is an accordance with the criteria set by the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine. Statistical analysis used SPSS version 22 to analyze univariate data and Fisher's exact test for bivariate analysis with a significance limit of p < 0.05. Results: A total of 25.8% of the subjects had comorbidities, 62.1% experienced low vitamin D intake, and 53% experienced mild COVID-19 symptoms. The severity of COVID-19 cases does not correlate with age or gender. The severity of COVID-19 cases was significantly associated with comorbidities (p=0.001) and vitamin D intake (p=0.021). Conclusion: An association was observed between vitamin D intake, comorbidities, and the severity of COVID-19.