The ambiguity of ethnicity as risk factor of vitamin D deficiency – A case study of Danish vitamin D policy documents

Mygind, Anna, Traulsen, Janine Morgall, Nørgaard, Lotte Stig and Bissell, Paul (2011) The ambiguity of ethnicity as risk factor of vitamin D deficiency – A case study of Danish vitamin D policy documents. Health Policy, 102 (1). pp. 56-63. ISSN 0168-8510

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Abstract

Objectives
To explore how ethnic minorities at risk of vitamin D deficiency are constructed in Danish policy documents (current as of April 2009), regarding vitamin D supplementation.

Methods
Ten policy documents were analysed through content analysis, focusing on definitions and explanations of ethnic minorities being at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This formed the basis for an analysis of constructions of ethnic minorities at risk which was undertaken using the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory as an organising framework.

Results
The analysis showed a high degree of interpretative flexibility regarding how ethnic minorities are constructed as a risk group for vitamin D deficiency. The ten documents analysed revealed eight different constructions of the ethnic minorities groups at risk. A low degree of interpretative flexibility was found regarding the importance of skin colour and skin covering. Major disagreements were found regarding the importance attributed to the Islamic religion, other traditions, immigration, gender and age, and use of an evolutionary explanation for the increased risk.

Conclusions
Ethnic minorities at risk of vitamin D deficiency are constructed very differently in Danish policies current as of April 2009. A more precise definition of ethnic minorities in policies and research may be helpful in seeking to identify which ethnic minorities are and are not at risk of vitamin D deficiency

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Schools:	School of Human and Health Sciences
Related URLs:	Author
Depositing User:	Sharon Beastall
Date Deposited:	08 Feb 2017 10:35
Last Modified:	08 Feb 2017 10:35
URI:	http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/31117

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