Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Management: Awareness among Indian Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a baseline assessment and create awareness among medical students regarding vitamin D. A cross-sectional, voluntary survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using a questionnaire which assessed the level of knowledge students had with regard to where vitamin D comes from, what it does for health, how much is recommended, factors that affect its levels, and deficiency management. Majority of students were unaware that vitamin D deficiency has attained epidemic proportions. Though bone and skeletal disorders as a complication of vitamin D deficiency were known, a large number were unaware of systemic consequences (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers). Only one-third of respondents were aware of duration and timing of sun exposure required for adequate serum vitamin D levels. However, we observed lack of awareness among students regarding the various biochemical forms, dose, and duration of vitamin D supplementation for treatment of nutritional deficiency. Our study highlighted a lack of knowledge about the importance of vitamin D, worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and its management among medical students. Promoting vitamin D health awareness, if replicated across populations, could lead to positive health outcomes globally.

Critical appraisal of drug promotional literature using World Health Organisation guidelines

“…Furthermore, evidence supports the importance of physician mediated knowledge translation, as people report higher rates of intention to use medications when they have been informed of the benefits by their physician. 24,25 Incorporation of such less explored areas in the undergraduate teaching curriculum shall definitely help to sensitize them. Furthermore, interventional educational research, workshops and training programmes among the undergraduates about the ethical drug promotion are the highly suggested ways to improve the knowledge and awareness regarding the same.…”

Vitamin D status in Thai dermatologists and working‐age Thai population

“…2 Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency recently has been shown to be associated with increased risks of some types of cancer, 3 cardiovascular disease, 4 autoimmune disease 5,6 and infectious disease. [11][12][13] Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is located at latitude 13°75 0 N and longitude 100°49 0 E, near the equator. Although some foods (e.g.…”

“…8 High prevalence of asymptomatic but low serum levels of vitamin D has been reported in many countries, 9,10 including those with abundant sunshine. [11][12][13] Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is located at latitude 13°75 0 N and longitude 100°49 0 E, near the equator. The average duration of sunlight in Thailand is approximately 5-9 h daily, with a UV index of 8-12 from 11.00 hours to 13.00 hours.…”

Awareness regarding the importance of vitamin D and prevention of its deficiency among female undergraduate medical students

“…A self-administered questionnaire consisting of two parts was constructed with the help of previously conducted studies but relevant to local context. 20 The first part of the questionnaire was for identifying socio-demographic characters of the participants like age, residence, religion, income and food preferences. The second half consisted of 12 multiple-choice questions focusing on the knowledge related to vitamin D (like source, effects of vitamin D deficiency, prevention and management of deficiency, etc.).…”