Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Vitamin D Deficiency in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is a very important component of all vital functions in the human body. Its deficiency is a major public health issue worldwide and is associated with a broad spectrum of diseases. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding vitamin D deficiency among the general population in the Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Saudi Arabia.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among the population in Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Saudi Arabia. A self-administrated online questionnaire was utilized to collect the research data during a period of four months from November 2021 to February 2022.Results: A sample of 466 participants was recruited in this study, about two-thirds of them were females (64.4%) and had a university education (67.8%). Despite 91% of them having previously heard about vitamin D, only (17.4%) were able to recognize sunlight exposure as a main source of vitamin D. Poor knowledge and positive attitude regarding vitamin D were obviously seen among 72.3% and 95.7%. Although 89% of the participants' family members had been diagnosed with hypovitaminosis D. Only 45% of the sample were willing to be compliant with vitamin D supplement whenever it is needed. The most reported source of information regarding vitamin D among the respondents was mass media (62.2%). The associated variables of good knowledge were female gender (P 0.001), young (P 0.001), unmarried (P 0.006), highly educated (P 0.048), and receiving medical information from physicians (P 0.018). Conclusion:This study reveals the poor level of knowledge about vitamin D deficiency among the Al-Qunfudhah population, and this negatively affected their compliance for vitamin D supplementation when having hypovitaminosis D. Positive attitude toward vitamin D deficiency among the majority of the participants was obvious and may direct them to change their behavior toward vitamin D. Therefore, this study highlights the necessity of educating and sensitizing population about vitamin D and prevention of its deficiency.

Enhancing knowledge and practices toward Vitamin D deficiency through implementing awareness programs among medical science female students

“…[27][28][29] Female gender, receiving medical information from physicians and being unmarried, young and highly educated were recently reported as determinants for good VD knowledge. 26 The current study reported a significant improvement in the students' practices following the intervention (p < 0.001). The percentage of students who applied satisfactory practices had been only 4.8% before the awareness programme but increased to 48.2% after it.…”

“…The study reported good attitude of female to preventing VD deficiency and this could encourage them to change their behaviour. 26 A low level of knowledge and awareness regarding VD deficiency has been reported worldwide, and this is likely to be a factor contributing to global VD deficiency. [27][28][29] Female gender, receiving medical information from physicians and being unmarried, young and highly educated were recently reported as determinants for good VD knowledge.…”

“…21,22 Moreover, a recent study conducted in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Saudi Arabia, reported a high percentage of hypovitaminosis D among the participant’s family members. 26 It also showed a poor level of knowledge that negatively impacted the participants’ willingness to be exposed to sunlight and use VD supplementation when required. The study reported good attitude of female to preventing VD deficiency and this could encourage them to change their behaviour.…”

“…27–29 Female gender, receiving medical information from physicians and being unmarried, young and highly educated were recently reported as determinants for good VD knowledge. 26…”

“…A self-administered questionnaire was designed based on the published literature 26 with some modifications. The questionnaire was in Arabic, the mother language of Saudi citizens.…”