Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is often an underestimated public health issue in Pakistan. The natural climate supports sufficient vitamin D levels, but people are deficient in Vitamin D. Methods: A qualitative research approach was utilized, involving an extensive review of the literature along with 16 semi-structured interviews conducted with experts and stakeholders. The data were analyzed thematically to uncover key obstacles, gaps in policy, and areas for intervention. Results: National data suggests about 70% deficiency of Vitamin D impacting vulnerable groups. The main factors contributing are cultural norms, insufficient policy enforcement, and the lack of food fortification or routine checkups. Interviewees also pointed to low prioritization by authorities, uncoordinated interventions, and limited health literacy as ongoing challenges. Conclusion: A unified national strategy emphasizing public education, food fortification, targeted supplementation, and the integration of vitamin D screening and treatment into healthcare can address the issue at the policy and community level.
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Vitamin D Deficiency, Pakistan, Qualitative Research, Public Health, Barriers, Policy
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(1) Maha Ikram
MPhil Scholar, Institute of Social and Cultural Sciences, Public Health, Punjab University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
(2) Muhammad Navid Tahir
M.Phil Scholar, Institute of Social and Cultural Sciences, Public Health, Punjab University, Punjab, Pakistan.
(3) Humera Zaib Khan
Masterâs, Department of Public Health, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
Cite this article
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APA : Ikram, M., Tahir, M. N., & Khan, H. Z. (2025). Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study. Global Sociological Review, X(II), 99-107. https://doi.org/10.31703/gsr.2025(X-II).08
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CHICAGO : Ikram, Maha, Muhammad Navid Tahir, and Humera Zaib Khan. 2025. "Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study." Global Sociological Review, X (II): 99-107 doi: 10.31703/gsr.2025(X-II).08
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HARVARD : IKRAM, M., TAHIR, M. N. & KHAN, H. Z. 2025. Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study. Global Sociological Review, X, 99-107.
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MHRA : Ikram, Maha, Muhammad Navid Tahir, and Humera Zaib Khan. 2025. "Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study." Global Sociological Review, X: 99-107
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MLA : Ikram, Maha, Muhammad Navid Tahir, and Humera Zaib Khan. "Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study." Global Sociological Review, X.II (2025): 99-107 Print.
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OXFORD : Ikram, Maha, Tahir, Muhammad Navid, and Khan, Humera Zaib (2025), "Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study", Global Sociological Review, X (II), 99-107
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TURABIAN : Ikram, Maha, Muhammad Navid Tahir, and Humera Zaib Khan. "Vitamin D Deficiency among the General Population in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions – A Qualitative Study." Global Sociological Review X, no. II (2025): 99-107. https://doi.org/10.31703/gsr.2025(X-II).08