The effectiveness of a preventive health program and vitamin D status in improving health-related quality of life of older Canadians.
Qual Life Res. 2015 Aug 18. [Epub ahead of print]
Ekwaru JP1, Ohinmaa A, Veugelers PJ.
1School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada.
PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a preventive health program and vitamin D status in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of older residents of Canada.
DESIGN: We analyzed baseline and follow-up data of 2119 volunteers of a community program that promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages vitamin D supplementation. We examined the program effect on each of the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L, HRQOL score, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) using multivariable regression methods. We further examined the specific contribution of vitamin D status as quantified by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).
RESULTS:
Problems with mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and depression/anxiety were reported less during follow-up compared to baseline. On average, participants' HRQOL had improved by 0.018 units at 6 months and 0.025 units at 1 year of follow-up. Improvements in vitamin D status were independently associated with improvements in HRQOL and in QALYs. As per 25 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, there was a 0.002 increase in HRQOL and a 0.001 increase in QALYs.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study documents the benefits of a real-world preventive health program to HRQOL. It is the first to reveal that improvements in vitamin D status parallel improvements in HRQOL among healthy community dwellers. The study further suggests that the preventive health program and supplementation with vitamin D are cost-effective interventions.
Download the PDF from Vitamin D Life
See also Vitamin D Life
- Increased Quality of Life with increased vitamin D – April 2014 some of the same authors, 1 year previous
- Quality of Life many articles
- 400,000 IU of vitamin D reduced adult pain and improved quality of life – March 2014
- Pure North (Calgary) improves health by raising vitamin D to 60 ng
- Metabolic Syndrome risk reduced 44 percent when vitamin D levels increased by 30 nanograms – Aug 2015
publication from the same group