Knowledge and attitudes about vitamin D and sunlight exposure in premenopausal women living in Jeddah, and their relationship with serum vitamin D levels

Abstract

Background Saudi women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency because they are fully covered by traditional clothing and because of their indoor lifestyle. The latest national study reported that vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) affects 72% of young Saudi women. Because little information is available regarding knowledge on vitamin D, attitudes toward sun exposure, and the vitamin D status of premenopausal women in Jeddah, more research is necessary in order to develop effective intervention programs. The purpose of this study is to explore how the relationship between knowledge of vitamin D and attitudes about sun exposure affect the serum 25(OH)D levels in premenopausal Saudi women. Methods This cross-sectional study included 257 women aged 20–50 years attending the primary care clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographics, dietary vitamin D intake, attitudes toward sun exposure, and were tested on their knowledge of vitamin D. Serum 25(OH)D was evaluated using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Results Although 99% of participants had heard of vitamin D and 91% knew that sunlight exposure is a primary source of vitamin D, they also expressed the feeling of having insufficient knowledge regarding vitamin D sources. Furthermore, the majority of participants had negative attitudes toward sun exposure. High fish consumption was associated with a higher level of knowledge regarding vitamin D. The binary logistic regression indicated that low levels of knowledge about vitamin D were associated with low education levels (odds ratio = 0.397, 95% CI = [0.206, 0.765], p = 0.019) and with being married (odds ratio = 0.522, 95% CI = [0.281, 0.971], p = 0.04). In addition, spending time outside in the sun was significantly associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.006), and the wearing of colored abaya was significantly associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.008). Conclusion Suboptimal vitamin D status and insufficient knowledge of vitamin D intake sources are common in premenopausal women in Jeddah. Based on this data, health professionals could provide medical intervention to the most vulnerable female patients, as well as offer clear guidelines and information to the general public.

Evaluation of the knowledge regarding vitamin D, and sunscreen use of female adolescents in Iran

“…Additionally, sun exposure over the previous week, sunscreen usage, oily fish consumption was not found to be associated with Vit D status among pregnant women [ 48 ]. As for our study and previous research, no statistically significant relationship was found between serum levels and dietary intake of Vit D with knowledge of Vit D, either before, or after adjustment for potential confounder in Saudi premenopausal women [ 49 ]. Interestingly, in a study including 1044 from the general population in Kuwait, 80% of people were found to have adequate knowledge; although Vit D deficiency remained prevalent among them [ 50 ].…”

A Study of Osteoporosis in Egyptian Premenopausal Women in Urban and Rural Areas

“…Regarding socio-demographic data, it was demonstrated that there was no statistically significant relation between osteoporosis and age, social status, education, occupation and smoking. Similarly, Saudi cross-sectional study included premenopausal women reported that no significant association was found between BMD and age, physical activity, parity, and smoking (Zareef et al, 2021). In contrast with an Indian study done by Shatrugna and colleagues ( 2007) included women matched in anthropometric measures, gravidity and calcium intake concluded that occupational activities affect bone mass.…”

“…This higher prevalence can be due to inclusion of both premenopausal and postmenopausal women in addition to different population. On the other hand, a Saudi cross-sectional study of premenopausal women aged 20-50 years revealed that osteopenia was in 46.1% of them, with no osteoporosis had been diagnosed by using DEXA scan (Zareef et al, 2021). This difference may be referred to variation in the studied population.…”

“…Frequency Questionnaire where it was found that there was a statistically significant relationship between BMD at the lumbar spine and calcium intake (Zareef et al, 2021).…”

Independent Association of 25[OH]D Level on Reduced Glutathione and TNF-α in Patients ‎with Diabetes and/or Hypertension

“…28,29 This might be attributed to the constant efforts to improve the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices towards maintaining normal levels of 25[OH]D among Saudi population. 30,31 Moreover, different populations, assays and definitions of deficiency could influence these results.…”