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Kambal N, Abdelwahab S, Albasheer O, Taha S, Abdelrahman N, Bani I, Alsayegh A, Shammaky E, Duwayri N, Alhazmi A, Mahzari M, Hakami N. Vitamin D knowledge, awareness and practices of female students in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36529. [PMID: 38134098 PMCID: PMC10735156 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem among adults in Saudi Arabia, particularly females. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and cognitive decline. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of vitamin D deficiency among female students in Jazan University as well as to determine the sociodemographic related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 female undergraduate and postgraduate students (18 years of age and older) in March 2022 from Saudi Arabia. Students completed a web-based survey about vitamin D and their demographic characteristics. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistics, the Chi-squared test of homogeneity, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. The results revealed that the participants had limited knowledge related to vitamin D normal level (49.5%), and the recommended daily amount of vitamin D (26.5%). Most of the participants were unaware of its benefits for vision, muscle integrity, weakness, and fatigue. Most of them recognized the importance of sunlight for maintaining suitable levels of vitamin D (94.1%). However, only 43.1% identified that decreased intake of foods rich in vitamin D is a cause of vitamin D deficiency. Participants (33.7%) preferred exposure to sunlight to improve their vita-min D levels, and 32.4% used vitamin D supplements. However, only 39.2% had ever examined their vitamin D status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a significant association between knowledge, and residence, and source of information (odds ratios = 3.48 and 2.79, respectively, P < .05). Most respondents had a basic understanding of vitamin D, vitamin D insufficiency, and the environmental and dietary factors contributing to it. Given the findings obtained, cognitive interventions need to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Kambal
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Osama Albasheer
- Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Taha
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nusayba Abdelrahman
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Bani
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulrahman Alsayegh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eithar Shammaky
- Applied Medical Sciences College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal Duwayri
- Applied Medical Sciences College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alhazmi
- Applied Medical Sciences College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Mahzari
- Applied Medical Sciences College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser Hakami
- Surgical Department, College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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