Factors associated with vitamin D testing, deficiency, intake and supplementation in patients with chronic pain Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2018; 15(5):636-648 ABSTRACT Vitamin D deficiency is reported as a public health issue, with reports of increased vitamin D testing and supplementation globally. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to most chronic diseases including chronic pain. However, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Identifying factors associated with risk of vitamin D

more »

... deficiency in individuals with chronic pain will help minimize time and cost. In this study we aim to examine the factors associated with vitamin D testing, intake and doctor advised supplementation in individuals with chronic pain. Using a cross-sectional study design, data was collected from 465 individuals with chronic pain. This data was analyzed using penalized logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) technique. Fifty-seven percent of the participants reported been tested for vitamin D, about 40% reported been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, and of those who had been tested, 60%, reported taking vitamin D supplementation. The findings show that older age and higher mean pain intensity score increased an individual's chance of being vitamin D deficient. Unemployment or on leave due to pain, part-time employment, and being resident of Australia increased chances of being tested for vitamin D. While, diagnosed vitamin D deficiency and unemployment or on leave due to pain and in parttime employment were associated with doctor advised vitamin D supplementation. Identifying pre-test risk factors in those with chronic pain will assist doctors and patients alike, in identifying who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, whom to test and treat.