Abstract

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and calcium deficiency in a sample of residents in the city of Gharyan, located in the western regions of Libya, based on 300 cases visiting laboratories and clinics and medical clinics in the city for the year 2025 AD, divided into two groups for both sexes with a number of (150) cases, for different age groups from (5-85) years The study reached results showing that vitamin D and calcium deficiency is widespread among cases for both sexes, as the percentage of vitamin D deficiency in males reached 29.34%, and in females it reached 25.66%, calcium deficiency was recorded at 25.34% in males and 24.66% in females. The highest prevalence of vitamin deficiency was recorded in the age group of (46-65) years, at 20.66% in males, and 25.33% in females. Followed by the age group from (26-45) years, with 29% of the total cases, 14.33% in males, and 14.66% in females. This is consistent with many studies conducted in some areas of the entire country, which confirmed that most of the population and different age groups suffer from a deficiency in the level of vitamin D and calcium, despite the country's location in an environmental zone suitable for the availability of sufficient sunlight However, due to some reasons of lack of health awareness, daily lifestyle and some social and dietary habits that have further exacerbated the problem of the spread of vitamin D and calcium deficiency among the population, the study recommended conducting intensive research and studies in various regions and following up on the cases of the population, spreading health awareness through various available means and holding scientific seminars and conferences for specialists, to educate society about the dangers of vitamin D and calcium deficiency on public health Changing habits and daily life patterns, conducting routine examinations, and following a healthy diet to reduce the increasing shortage rates among different age groups of the population.

Abstract

Obesity and headache are conditions associated with a substantial personal and societal impact. This study aims to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and Headache among adults in Gharyan City, Libya. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at Gharyan city, Libya, during the period from December 2024 to March 2025. Two hundred (200) participants, including 94 males (47%) and 106 females (53%), were enrolled in this study. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. The participants were divided into four categories, based on BMI: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obese (>30). A total of 200 participants, both gender males and females, were enrolled in this study during the study period. The study indicates that high percentage of headache in age was 43 -56 years, and severe obesity BMI > 30 kg/m2 were observed of high percentage in females n=27 (25.47%) compared to males n=17 (18.08%), although the severe obesity and headache found in females n=37 (34.90%), rather than males n=30 (31.91%) Obesity and headache are both, slightly more common in females than males, we recommend that more studies among obesity and headache in large patients should be done, although small sample size and lack of long-term flow-up of patients, were the main limitations of our study and results suggested a need for monitoring by X-ray and MRI diagnosis of patients have obesity

Keywords. Obesity. Headache, Gharyan City, Libya.

Abstract 

Dental caries is a widespread infectious disease influenced by bacterial activity, dietary factors, and host 

susceptibility. Community water fluoridation has been a key public health measure for caries prevention, 

particularly in children. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water (0.7 mg/L) balances caries 

reduction with minimal fluorosis risk. This study assessed fluoride levels in drinking water and their 

correlation with dental caries in primary school children in Gharyan, Libya. A cross-sectional study was 

conducted on 350 children (aged 7–10 years) from urban and rural schools in Gharyan. Water samples from 

five stores and one groundwater source were analyzed for fluoride concentration using an ion-selective 

electrode. Dental caries was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index. Fluoride levels in water stores were 

negligible (0.0–0.1 mg/L), while unfiltered groundwater exhibited high concentrations (6.0–7.0 mg/L), 

exceeding WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L). The low fluoride availability in most drinking sources suggests 

limited caries-preventive effects from water fluoridation in this region. The study highlights insufficient 

fluoride exposure in Gharyan’s public water supply, potentially contributing to higher caries prevalence. 

Further research is needed to evaluate alternative fluoride delivery methods and assess groundwater safety 

to optimize oral health outcomes.

Keywords. Fluoride Concentration, Drinking Water, Dental Caries, Primary School.