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Alibrahim H, Swed S, Bohsas H, Abouainain Y, Jawish N, Diab R, Ishak A, Saleh HH, Nasif MN, Arafah R, Abboud WA, Suliman AH, Sawaf B, Hafez W. Assessment the awareness of vitamin D deficiency among the general population in Syria: an online cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:938. [PMID: 38561740 PMCID: PMC10985847 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is an importance preventable problem in the global and associates with lack levels of awareness about vitamin D. According to prior studies, in the Arab world, there is low of knowledge and awareness toward vitamin D deficiency. The target of our study is evaluating the knowledge level about vitamin D deficiency and determining the associated factors with levels of awareness of its. METHOD This online cross-sectional study was performed in Syria between 25 February to 29 March 2023 to assess the levels of knowledge about vitamin D deficiency among general Syrian population. The study's survey was obtained from previously published research and we conducted a pilot study to assure the validity and clarity questionnaire. All Syrian individuals aged 18 or older who were able to read and write and willing to participate were included, while, non-Syrian nationality individuals and all medical staff (doctors, nurses, and medical students…), as well, those under 18 age were excluded. The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions separated into four categories. The first section was sociodemographic information of the study population. The second section measured the level awareness of the study population regarding the benefits of vitamin D. In addition, the third and fourth part evaluated knowing of the respondents about sources of and toxicity consequences of vitamin D. The data were analyzed by utilizing multivariate logistic regression in IBM, SPSS V.28 version. RESULTS Overall, 3172 of the study population accepted to participate in this research and 57.9% the majority of them were aged in the range among 18 and 28. While, the average age of the respondents were 30.80 ± 11.957. Regarding with the awareness toward knowledge of advantages and source of vitamin D and outcomes of vitamin D toxicity. Most of the participants mentioned that vitamin D is used to treat bone disease and rickets and contributes in maintaining calcium and phosphates (91.4% and 84.6%, respectively). Whereas, more than half of them reported that sun exposure does not cause vitamin D poisoning and that vegetarians are more likelihood to have vitamin D than non-vegetarians, (54.1% and 54.9%, respectively). Only, age and occupation out of nine predictors variables were significantly correlated with adequate knowledge of Vitamin D (p-value < 0.05). The respondents aged more than 60 years were high probability to have good recognition of Vitamin D than participants aged between 18 and 28 years. (OR = 7.95). Retired participants have shown lower aware of Vitamin D 0.38 times than students. CONCLUSION Our research revealed that most of the participated individuals have sufficient comprehension about vitamin D, despite, there were significant gap. Health education via programs by government health-care agencies, NGOs and social workers is necessary to increase the awareness and knowledge toward benefits, source, deficiency and toxicity of vitamin D to avoid injury several diseases such as rickets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
| | | | | | - Nagham Jawish
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Rehab Diab
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Angela Ishak
- European University School - School of Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Rahaf Arafah
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | | | - Bisher Sawaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wael Hafez
- NMC Royal Hospital, 16th Street, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Medical Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Al-Daghri NM, Alfawaz HA, Khan N, Saadawy GM, Sabico S. Vitamin D Knowledge and Awareness Is Associated with Physical Activity among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1601. [PMID: 36674356 PMCID: PMC9867161 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The relation between knowledge and awareness of vitamin D (VD) and physical activity in adults has not been well studied. The present cross-sectional study aims to demonstrate this relation among adults living in Saudi Arabia. A total of 774 adults participated and were stratified based on self-reports of whether they were physically active (PA group, N = 562) or not (non-PA, N = 212). The prevalence of VD awareness and its health effects were significantly higher in the PA group compared with their counterparts (97 vs. 93.4%; p = 0.02 and 92.3 vs. 81.6%; p < 0.001, respectively). Sunlight was the preferred overall source of VD among the PA group (91.1%) followed by food, supplements, and fortified foods. Sardine, salmon, oily fish (63.7%) and eggs (54.6%) were reported as good dietary sources. Other positive attitudes, represented by taking supplement or multivitamins (51.2%), high sun exposure (33.1%), and daily duration of exposure to sunlight (15−30 min; 53.4%) were higher in the PA than the non-PA group (p values < 0.05). The body parts exposed to the sun among the PA group were arms (67.1%), hands (64.1%), face and hands (62.5%), legs (58.5%), and face (53.2%), while sunscreen cream (47.2%) was their preferred sun-protection method. High levels of knowledge and positive attitudes were reported by the PA group compared with the non-PA group in regard to walking outdoors for sun exposure (80.6 vs. 62.7%; p < 0.001). Information about good dietary sources, the role of VD in human health, associated diseases, positive attitudes to sun exposure, and the use of supplements or multivitamins were among the determinants of VD knowledge and awareness. In conclusion, VD knowledge and awareness are positively associated with self-reported physical activity in adults. Further objective classifications of PA may strengthen the results of the present investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanan A. Alfawaz
- Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasiruddin Khan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra 400, Oman
| | - Gamal M. Saadawy
- Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaun Sabico
- Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Shamlan G, Aleanizy FS. Knowledge and behaviors of using vitamin D to boost immunity against COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31949. [PMID: 36482609 PMCID: PMC9726423 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has globally impacted all aspects of life since its emergence and spread. There is a strong biological assumption and progressing epidemiological data supporting the role of vitamin D (VD) in COVID-19 infection. This study aims to determine the knowledge about VD supplements to boost immunity against COVID-19 and if participation in specific behaviors has increased the consumption of VD supplements during social distance restriction in Saudi Arabia (SA) in May 2021. This cross-sectional study used a structured online questionnaire for 2369 SA people, including demographic characteristics and knowledge about VD supplements to boost immunity against COVID-19 showed that there was a significant association between sex and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) (P = .000), and having VDD was strongly associated with having another vitamin deficiency (P = .008). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between VDD and cardiovascular (P = .027) and respiratory diseases (P = .019). Almost half of the participants used VD supplements to reduce or heal their COVID-19 symptoms. The adverse association between having VDD and understanding of COVID-19 symptoms was statistically significant (P = .01). Ginger is commonly used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of VD. The administration of VD is now known to be of physiological significance for general health, and evidence suggesting the beneficial role of VD in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalia Shamlan
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of food science and agriculture, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Ghalia Shamlan, Department of Human Nutrition, College of food science and agriculture, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia (e-mail: )
| | - Fadilah Sfouq Aleanizy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hamhoum AS, Aljefree NM. Knowledge and Attitudes towards Vitamin D among Health Educators in Public Schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122358. [PMID: 36553883 PMCID: PMC9777692 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Health educators in schools are a very important part of the education system. Considering the significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is important to investigate the knowledge of and attitude towards vitamin D among health educators. This study aims to examine the knowledge of and attitude towards vitamin D among health educators in public schools in Jeddah as well as to identify the associated sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and December 2021 among 231 health educators. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. The results revealed that only 45% of health educators had good knowledge of vitamin D, and approximately 43% had a positive attitude towards vitamin D. Additionally, those who had good knowledge of vitamin D were males (58.7%) (p = 0.005) and had a bachelor's degree (74%) (p = 0.01). Moreover, male health educators aged 45-54 years had a positive attitude towards vitamin D (3.8 ± 0.7) (p = 0.007). In addition, female health educators who were divorced (3.8 ± 0.7) and widowed (3.6 ± 0.5) (p = 0.04) and those who were administrators (3.3 ± 0.7) (p = 0.01) had a positive attitude towards vitamin D. The Ministry of Education (MOE) in the Kingdom must educate health educators through educational programmes that aim to increase the knowledge of and develop a positive attitude towards vitamin D intake.
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Al-Daghri NM, Alfawaz H, Khan N, Al-Saleh Y, Aljohani NJ, Aldisi D, Alkhaldi G, Alqarni AM, Almasoudi HO, Alshehri LA, Alanzi RM, Khattak MNK, Elsaid MA, Alokail MS. Association of Vitamin D Knowledge, Behavior and Attitude with BMI Status among Arab Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11107. [PMID: 36078823 PMCID: PMC9518129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the association of vitamin D (VD) knowledge, behavior, and attitude with BMI status among Saudi adults. This cross-sectional online survey included a total of 774 participants (M/F: 239/535). Knowledge about the overall sources of VD was highest in OB participants in correctly identifying sunlight (95.1%; p < 0.001) while significantly more OW participants answered food (83.1%; p = 0.04) and fortified food (66.5%; p = 0.02). However, 18.9% of OB participants also wrongly identified air as a VD source and this was significantly higher than in other groups (p = 0.03). OW participants were 50% less likely to identify salmon and fish oil (odds ratio, OR 0.5 (95% Confidence interval, CI 0.4-0.7); p < 0.01) and 40% more likely to identify chicken (OR 1.4 (1.0-1.9); p < 0.05) as dietary sources of VD than controls. On the other hand, OB participants were almost three times more likely to know that sunlight exposure is the main source of VD than controls (OR 2.65 (1.2-6.0); p < 0.05). In conclusion, while VD knowledge overall was apparently high in Saudi adults regardless of BMI status, the quality of knowledge among OB and OW individuals appear inconsistent, particularly in terms of identifying the right VD sources. Public health awareness campaigns should include the correction of VD misconceptions so that high-risk populations are able to make well-informed decisions in achieving optimal VD levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser M. Al-Daghri
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Alfawaz
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasiruddin Khan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra 400, Oman
| | - Yousef Al-Saleh
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 22490, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naji J. Aljohani
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Obesity Endocrine and Metabolism Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dara Aldisi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadah Alkhaldi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani M. Alqarni
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel O. Almasoudi
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lina A. Alshehri
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rinad M. Alanzi
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak N. K. Khattak
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Elsaid
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S. Alokail
- Protein Research Chair, Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Sllamniku Dalipi Z, Dragidella F. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation as Non-Surgical Treatment for Periodontal Disease with a Focus on Female Patients: Literature Review. Dent J (Basel) 2022; 10:120. [PMID: 35877394 PMCID: PMC9319146 DOI: 10.3390/dj10070120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontal disease is a complex disease that involves an imbalance between the oral microbiota and an individual's inflammatory response. Moreover, the inflammatory response contributes to further imbalance; if left untreated, periodontal disease may result in tooth loss. Vitamin D is intricately involved in the regulation of calcium-phosphate homeostasis and bone mineral metabolism; considering that periodontal surgery usually includes regenerative therapy, adequate vitamin D and calcium levels are essential. The benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation have been demonstrated in situations where deficiency is associated with adverse outcomes, such as periodontal disease and maternal health. However, knowledge and attitudes about supplementation, as well as the actual levels of supplementation, vary greatly in the general population; they also differ between men and women. The aim of this review is to discuss how vitamin D and calcium supplementation affect oral and periodontal health, especially in women. Additionally, this review provides suggestions for public health strategies regarding vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as the effects of both types of supplementation on maternal oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatmir Dragidella
- Periodontology and Oral Medicine Department, University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo, Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Street Lagjja e Spitalit p.n., 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo;
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SaeidiFard N, Haeri-Mehrizi AA, Akbarzadeh Z, Janbozorgi N, Montazeri A, Yaseri M, Shab-Bidar S. Association of health literacy and nutritional literacy with sun exposure in adults using structural equation modelling. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1162. [PMID: 35689215 PMCID: PMC9185953 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inadequate health and nutritional literacy is a common problem among adults, associated with poor health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy and nutritional literacy to sun exposure behaviour. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 261 adults (18–65 years) in Iran. Data was collected on knowledge, motivation, health literacy, nutritional literacy, and sun exposure behaviour using an interview-assisted questionnaire. Using the information–motivation–behavioural skills model and structural equation modeling, we tested whether health and nutritional literacy were associated with the relationships between knowledge of vitamin D, attitudes toward sun exposure, and sun exposure behaviour. Different models using structural equation modeling were performed to analyze the data. Results The finding showed that health literacy (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and nutritional literacy (β = 0.14, p = 0.02) was directly associated with sunlight exposure. Indirect relationships also existed between knowledge and sunlight exposure through health literacy (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) and nutritional literacy (β = 0.22, p = 0.01). The model had good fit (x2/df = 1.422; RMSEA = 0.040; CFI = 0.851; NFI = 0.657). There was no significant relationship between health literacy and motivation (β = 0.11, p = 0.16), nutritional literacy and motivation (β = 0.06, p = 0.42) and motivation and sun exposure (β = 0.01, p = 0.91). Conclusions The findings showed that individuals with sufficient health literacy and nutritional literacy were more likely to have exposure to sunlight. Health and nutritional literacy should be considered when educating adults about vitamin D supplements and sunlight exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim SaeidiFard
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Haeri-Mehrizi
- Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Akbarzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Janbozorgi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Montazeri
- Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yaseri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shab-Bidar
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), No 44, Hojjat-dost Alley, Naderi St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran.
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Aghaei F, Heidarnia A, Allahverdipour H, Eslami M, Ghaffarifar S. Knowledge, attitude, performance, and determinant factors of Vitamin D deficiency prevention behaviours among Iranian pregnant women. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:224. [PMID: 34893075 PMCID: PMC8662894 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a high-risk period for vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency, and there is a direct relationship between Vit D deficiency during this period and maternal and fetal complications. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women concerning the adoption of behaviors to prevent Vit D deficiency and identify the determinant factors of such behaviors. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 185 pregnant women with a mean age of 27.52 ± 5.9 years were selected from the Health Centers in Tabriz, Iran, using the stratified random sampling between 2018 September 23 and 2019 June 21. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaires comprising demographic information, knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women towards Vit D deficiency. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the relationship between the demographics of pregnant women and their knowledge and attitude. Moreover, the general linear model test was used to determine the predictors of performance. The p-value< 0.05 was considered to be significant in this study. RESULTS The findings showed that 85.6% of pregnant women were well aware of the importance and role of Vit D in pregnancy. In addition, 76.7 and 75% of the participants had good knowledge of getting enough Vit D from sunlight and preventing Vit D deficiency in pregnancy, respectively. Moreover, 91.7% of the pregnant women believed that Vit D has a vital role in maternal and fetal health, and 61.1% showed a high level of perceived self-efficiency in preventing Vit D deficiency. In addition, 67.2% of women regarded the unpleasant taste and price of Vit D rich foods, such as seafood, as barriers to get Vit D, and 91.7% mentioned the lack of public places specific to women and living in apartments as barriers to getting enough Vit D from sunlight. According to the results, 57.8 and 79.4% of pregnant women performed at a moderate level in getting Vit D from food and sunlight, respectively. In general, educational attainment (Pvalue = 0.02, B = 0.56), pregnancy age (Pvalue = 0.04, B = -0.26), parity (Pvalue = 0.03, B = -0.45), and perceived self-efficacy of mothers (Pvalue < 0.001, B = 0.340) were the determinant factors of getting Vit D from food and sunlight as behaviours to prevent Vit D deficiency in pregnancy. CONCLUSION The findings of the current study revealed that despite the good knowledge of women about the Vit D deficiency during pregnancy, their performance was moderate. The unpleasant taste and high price of seafood were barriers to using them, and the lack of public places specific to women and living in apartments, were barriers to using sunlight. The most important determinant of preventive behaviours was perceived self-efficacy. Developing an awareness program to promote best practices in pregnant women is essential to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Aghaei
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Heidarnia
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Tabriz, Iran
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Eslami
- Department of Population Health, Family and Schools Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Ghaffarifar
- Medical Education Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Al-Sumaih I, Donnelly M, O’Neill C. The use of finite mixture models to examine the serum 25(OH)D levels among Saudis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260748. [PMID: 34847185 PMCID: PMC8631613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recorded serum 25(OH)D in survey data varies with observed and unobserved respondent characteristics. The aim of this study was to expose latent population sub-groups and examine variation across groups regarding relationships between serum 25(OH)D and observable characteristics. METHODS This study explored the role of unobserved heterogeneity on associations between surveyed 25(OH)D and various factors using a sample (n = 2,641) extracted from the Saudi Health Interview Survey (2013). Linear regression and finite mixture models (FMM) were estimated and compared. The number of latent classes in the FMM was chosen based on BIC score. RESULT Three latent classes were identified. Class I (39.82%), class II (41.03%), and class III (19.15%) with mean 25(OH)D levels of 22.79, 34.88, and 57.45 ng/ml respectively. Distinct patterns of associations with nutrition, behaviour and socio-demographic variables were recorded across classes that were not revealed in pooled linear regression. CONCLUSION FMM has the potential to provide additional insights on the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and observable characteristics. It should be more widely considered as a method of investigation in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Al-Sumaih
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ciaran O’Neill
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Community-based social and demographic assessment of knowledge, attitudes, practices and medical conditions related to vitamin D deficiency in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. J Biosoc Sci 2021; 54:1100-1124. [PMID: 34725003 DOI: 10.1017/s002193202100050x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for bone health, and vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of various diseases. Gilgit Baltistan, the northern-most area of Pakistan, has a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, despite many nutritional and food safety programmes. The present study aimed to find how knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with vitamin D related to the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among people residing in different areas of Gilgit Baltistan. The cross-sectional study was descriptive and used data from a survey carried out between February 2019 and December 2020 on individuals of both sexes aged 10 years or over in Gilgit Baltistan. Of the 575 survey participants, 306 (53.2%) had experienced signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, i.e. tiredness, fatigue and bone weakness. Approximately 64.8% had some general knowledge of vitamin D and its relation to health. Participants aged 19-25 years had the highest scores on knowledge of vitamin D. Only 22.7% of interviewees had ever taken any supplements and only 25.6% often exposed themselves to sunlight. Females' mean knowledge score (28.7; SD 7.02) was higher than that of males (24; SD 9.01). A lack of consistency was observed between attitude towards daylight exposure and knowledge of vitamin D. There was a large correlation between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.001), while a non-significant association was demonstrated between knowledge and practices (p = 0.1). Better knowledge, attitude and practices by people living in cities or more-developed regions indicates that education can be an effective way to provide awareness regarding micronutrient deficiencies. More emphasis is needed on enhancing knowledge, awareness and practices associated with vitamin D deficiency in rural areas of Pakistan. It is strongly recommended that an awareness campaign on micronutrients is launched in both rural and urban areas of Pakistan, concentrating on poor socioeconomic settings.
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Shahudin NN, Sameeha MJ, Mat Ludin AF, Manaf ZA, Chin KY, Jamil NA. Barriers towards Sun Exposure and Strategies to Overcome These Barriers in Female Indoor Workers with Insufficient Vitamin D: A Qualitative Approach. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12102994. [PMID: 33007799 PMCID: PMC7599895 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is significant even in tropical countries such as Malaysia. Sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D for most people due to limited intakes of food containing vitamin D and supplements. This study explored the perception of barriers towards sun exposure and strategies to overcome these barriers among vitamin D insufficient women workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Twenty-five female indoor workers with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/L participated in seven focus group discussions (FGDs). Barriers towards sun exposure were lack of accurate knowledge of vitamin D, health concern towards sun exposure, time constraints, desire to have fair and beautiful skin, sedentary lifestyle, indoor workplace, weather, lack of social support, living arrangement, safety concerns, and religious or cultural practices. The improvement strategies were classified into lifestyle changes and workplace opportunity for sun exposure. Public education on safe sun exposure to produce an optimal level of vitamin D is necessary. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of sunlight exposure program at workplace for the high-risk vitamin D deficiency group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Nadiah Shahudin
- Faculty of Sports Sciences & Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Pahang (Kampus Jengka), Pahang 26400, Malaysia;
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Jamil Sameeha
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (A.F.M.L.); (Z.A.M.)
| | - Zahara Abdul Manaf
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (A.F.M.L.); (Z.A.M.)
| | - Kok-Yong Chin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Burchell K, Rhodes LE, Webb AR. Public Awareness and Behaviour in Great Britain in the Context of Sunlight Exposure and Vitamin D: Results from the First Large-Scale and Representative Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6924. [PMID: 32971923 PMCID: PMC7557888 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, UK public health messages about the risks of sunlight exposure (skin cancer) have been increasingly balanced by messages about its benefits (vitamin D production). Currently, data about the effects of this shift on public knowledge, awareness, and behaviour are scant. Thus, the objective of this paper is to report the findings of the first large-scale and representative survey of the awareness, knowledge, and behaviour of adults in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) (n = 2024) with respect to sunlight exposure, vitamin D, and sunburn and skin cancer. The findings suggest that the public in Great Britain is much more aware of public promotion of the risks of sunlight exposure than its benefits. That said, knowledge about sunlight exposure and vitamin D is fairly strong, though not with respect to the detail of the 'little and often' approach. However, the survey also suggests that levels of sunlight exposure among the public are often excessive. The survey indicates that knowledge and behaviour are both less satisfactory among men and people in lower socio-economic groups. The paper concludes with recommendations for public health communications and for research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Burchell
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Lesley E. Rhodes
- Faculty of Medicine Biology and Health, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
- Photobiology Unit, Dermatology Research Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M6 8HD, UK
| | - Ann R. Webb
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
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13
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Yu WW, Linton D, Porteous J, Eatson H, Jain R, Sale JEM. Is a 'healthy diet' and a 'calcium-rich diet' the same thing? Qualitative study examining perceptions of a calcium-rich diet in individuals who have received bone health education. J Hum Nutr Diet 2020; 33:496-504. [PMID: 32128920 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study, we aimed to (i) examine perceptions of achieving calcium and vitamin D recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and (ii) determine how participants talked about food in relation to RDA recommendations. METHODS Participants aged ≥50 years who were prescribed osteoporosis medication and received two modes of bone health education were eligible. Relying on a qualitative description design, we interviewed participants 1 month after they had attended an education session and received a self-management booklet. Calcium and vitamin D intakes were estimated by in-depth questions about diet and supplements and compared with perceptions of achieved RDA levels. Interview transcripts were analysed based on an analytic hierarchical process. RESULTS Forty-five participants (29 reporting previous fragility fractures) were included. Calcium and vitamin D RDA appeared to be potentially achieved by 64% and 93% of participants, respectively, primarily because of reliance on supplements. Few participants talked about vitamin D in relation to food intake and 49% of participants were unclear about the calcium content of food. Most considered that a healthy diet was equivalent to a calcium-rich diet. We noted no differences in our findings in the subset of individuals with fragility fractures. CONCLUSIONS Despite reporting a prescription for osteoporosis medication and receiving bone health education, a substantial number of individuals appeared to have sub-optimal calcium levels. This may be attributed to the challenge of achieving RDA with diet alone and the misconception of a healthy diet as a calcium-rich diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Yu
- Musculoskeletal Health and Outcomes Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Linton
- Musculoskeletal Health and Outcomes Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Porteous
- Osteoporosis Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - H Eatson
- Osteoporosis Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Jain
- Osteoporosis Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J E M Sale
- Musculoskeletal Health and Outcomes Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Related to Vitamin D and Its Relationship with Vitamin D Status among Malay Female Office Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234735. [PMID: 31783521 PMCID: PMC6926744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to vitamin D and its relationship with vitamin D status among Malay female office workers. A total of 147 women aged between 20 and 55 years were recruited from a university in Kuala Lumpur. They answered questionnaires related to KAP on vitamin D, sun exposure, dietary vitamin D intake and physical activity. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was analysed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Nearly half (45%) of the subjects had good knowledge but moderate attitude (76%) and practice (84%) towards sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake. Median serum 25OHD was 34.1 nmol/L with the majority (91%) had vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD < 50 nmol/L). Knowledge was weakly associated with attitude (r = 0.29, p < 0.001) but no association was found between knowledge and practice (r = 0.08, p = 0.355) nor attitude and practice (r = -0.001, p = 0.994). Serum 25OHD was positively associated with sunlight exposure (r = 0.22, p = 0.008) and dietary vitamin D intake (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). It can be implied that this group is at increased risk of low bone health status, which highlights the needs of public health campaigns to improve their vitamin D status.
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O'Connor C, Glatt D, White L, Revuelta Iniesta R. Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Vitamin D in a UK Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112387. [PMID: 30373274 PMCID: PMC6267199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the United Kingdom is high, despite updated Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) guidelines. Therefore, our aims were to identify population knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of vitamin D supplementation and factors contributing to supplement use in a UK adult population. A cross-sectional study was performed between April⁻June 2018 using a newly designed piloted questionnaire. Scores for knowledge were calculated as a percentage (Boland et al. 2015). Logistic regression analysis was used to predict supplement use. 209 participants (82% female), mean (±SD) age 34.9 (±12.3) completed the questionnaire. The mean (±SD) vitamin D knowledge score was 56.6% (±19.9%); only 48% were concerned about their vitamin D concentration and 57% did not take vitamin D. Most participants (86%) wished to learn more about vitamin D. Knowledge score (OR 2.5; p = 0.01; 95% CI 1.2⁻5.3), concern (OR 2.1; p = 0.03; 95% CI 1.0⁻4.2) and location (OR 0.3; p = 0.006; 95% CI 0.1⁻0.7) predicted supplemented use. Individuals living in England had 2.9 (95% CI 1.4⁻6.3) lower odds of taking vitamin D than those living in Scotland. As a result of these findings, this study suggests that vitamin D supplementation and fortification, alongside education strategies, may be an effective method for improving UK vitamin D health; however, more research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clodagh O'Connor
- Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK.
| | - Dominique Glatt
- Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK.
| | - Lois White
- Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK.
| | - Raquel Revuelta Iniesta
- Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK.
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16
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Zadka K, Pałkowska-Goździk E, Rosołowska-Huszcz D. The State of Knowledge about Nutrition Sources of Vitamin D, Its Role in the Human Body, and Necessity of Supplementation among Parents in Central Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071489. [PMID: 30011906 PMCID: PMC6068672 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The percentage of children with vitamin D deficiency in Poland is alarming. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge about sources of food and the function of vitamin D, as well as the frequency of its supplementation. A survey was conducted among the parents of children from Central Poland attending primary schools, and a questionnaire containing mainly open-ended questions was used to collect the data. Most mothers knew at least one of the functions of vitamin D in the body but had a low level of knowledge about its dietary sources. Only a small group of respondents supplemented themselves and their children with vitamin D. Statistically significant influences on the level of knowledge about the functions and sources of vitamin D were place of residence (i.e., better knowledge in the countryside) and mothers’ level of education (i.e., the better educated, the greater knowledge). In the case of monthly income level, such impact was observed only in relation to the knowledge of vitamin D functions. Concerning the frequency of supplementation, only maternal level of education had a statistically significant effect (i.e., the higher the education level, the higher the frequency of supplementation). In addition, mothers who were aware of functions of vitamin D and nutritional sources, significantly more frequently supplemented vitamin D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Zadka
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences WULS-SGGW, 159c Nowoursynowska ST., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Pałkowska-Goździk
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences WULS-SGGW, 159c Nowoursynowska ST., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Danuta Rosołowska-Huszcz
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences WULS-SGGW, 159c Nowoursynowska ST., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
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