Students’ ”D”ILEMMA: An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Toward Vitamin D Among University Students

Abstract

Background: The message delivered to the public regarding vitamin D is unclear, and contradictory; particularly regarding sun exposure; previous studies in Jordan have revealed high prevalence of low vitamin D among university students. The aim of this study was to investigate university students’ knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding vitamin D.Method: A web-based cross-sectional survey completed by students at a Jordanian university in 2019. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict supplement use.Results: 496 students completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge score was 31.3 (± 11.3) out of 100. Women had significantly higher beliefs that vitamin D deficiency is an escalating health issue (p<0.01). Negative practices regarding sun exposure was significantly higher in women than men (p<0.01). The majority of participants recognized that insufficient sun exposure was a cause of vitamin D deficiency, but 50.7 % avoid sun exposure, and 67.6% expose only their face and hands. The consumption of fortified foods (OR 3.59-;p<0.001) was the only studied variable associated with vitamin D consumption.Conclusion: There is a gap between knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding vitamin D which can be bridged by promoting Vitamin D related awareness.

Vitamin D Knowledge and Awareness Is Associated with Physical Activity among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…In a recent study from UAE, higher overall VD knowledge was observed among adult Emiratis, but lower or medium levels of knowledge related to PA and awareness of VD supplements [ 16 ]. Similarly, a web-based Jordanian study reported lower levels of knowledge and practices regarding VD among university students [ 17 ]. In Malaysia, female office workers were observed to have a good VD knowledge (45%) but moderate attitude (76%) and practice (84%) in relation to sunlight exposure and dietary VD intake [ 18 ].…”