A Cohort Study and an Audit Project on Vitamin D Prescribing Practices for Children in Pediatric Clinics at a Tertiary Hospital in Jordan

Background: Vitamin D is required for skeletal development and bone health. A severe deficit can cause rickets and osteomalacia among children and adults respectively. There are few dietary sources of vitamin D. Various recommedations states that all infants and young children aged 6 months to 3 years are advised to take a daily supplement containing vitamin D in the form of vitamin drops.

Aims: This study was done to assess the adherence NICE recommendations regarding supplementation of vitamin D for children in pediatrics clinics at tertiary hospital in south of Jordan according to the NICE recommendations.

Methods: Data was collected in retrospective manner. The following information was gathered for each sample: gestational age when delivered, age and developmental age, type of feeding, amount, past medical and drug history and allergic history, social history and if prescribed vitamin D or not.

Results: A total of 64 children were recorded in which 42 out of them (65.6%) were prescribed vitamin D supplements.

Conclusion: Collaboration between policymakers and health care professionals is required to fill the gap between guidelines and clinical practice.