Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Vitamin D, Zinc, and Ferritin Deficiencies and the Associated Risk of Hair Loss in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies are prevalent worldwide and linked to various health outcomes, including hair loss. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to these deficiencies among citizens in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and their perceptions regarding the relationship between these deficiencies and hair loss. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted between May 2023 and July 2023 among 985 participants, predominantly young adults aged between 18 and 25 years (58.9%, n = 580), females (56.2%, n = 554), single individuals (65.2%, n = 642), and Saudi citizens (98.2%, n = 967). Information on participants' demographics, knowledge, and practices related to vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies was collected through Google Forms (Alphabet Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). Knowledge levels were categorized as high or low based on responses. Results: Almost all participants (95.2%, n = 938) had heard about vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies and their risk of hair loss, and 554 (56.2%) participants had high knowledge, whereas 431 (43.8%) had low knowledge. The majority used the Internet to get information (37.1%, n = 365), identified sunlight as a source of these vitamins and minerals (91.7%, n = 903), and believed in their association with hair loss (74.0%, n = 729). Only about a third of participants reported daily sun exposure of 34.9% (n = 344) and vitamin supplement use of 35.4% (n = 349). Regression analysis revealed gender, awareness of vitamins, and vitamin supplement intake as significant factors related to hair loss (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for health education to improve sun exposure and supplement use practices, which could potentially reduce the prevalence of these deficiencies and associated hair loss. Future research should consider exploring other factors influencing hair loss and extending the study to different demographic groups.