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Ibrahim Y, Basri NI, Nordin N, Mohd Jamil AA. Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Association With Vitamin D Receptor Gene Variants Among Malaysian Women With Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy: Protocol for a Nutrigenomics Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e53722. [PMID: 38530345 PMCID: PMC11005429 DOI: 10.2196/53722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). The risk of developing HDP was reported to be further augmented among individuals with a vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic variant. However, the reported roles of VDR variants in hypertensive disorders are inconsistent among different populations. Given the relatively higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency among Malaysian pregnant women and the high incidence of HDP in this population, we hypothesize that there may be associations between the risk of vitamin D deficiency and HDP with VDR genetic variants. OBJECTIVE This paper outlines the protocol for a study to determine the association of vitamin D status and VDR sequence variants among Malaysian pregnant women with HDP. METHODS This prospective study consists of two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional study that will entail gathering medical records, a questionnaire survey, and laboratory testing for vitamin D status, with a planned recruitment of 414 pregnant women. The questionnaire will be utilized to assess the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D status will be obtained from measurement of the vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) level in the blood. The second phase is a case-control study involving a Malay ethnic cohort with vitamin D deficiency. Participants will be divided into two groups with and without HDP (n=150 per group). Genomic DNA will be extracted from the peripheral blood monocytes of participants using the Qiagen DNA blood kit, and VDR sequence variants will be determined using polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis. Sanger sequencing will then be used to sequence randomly selected samples corresponding to each identified variant to validate our PCR-HRM results. The VDR genotype and mutation frequencies of BsmI, ApaI, TaqI, and FokI will be statistically analyzed to evaluate their relationships with developing HDP. RESULTS As of December 2023, 340 subjects have been recruited for the phase 1 study, 63% of whom were determined to have vitamin D deficiency. In the phase 2 study, 50 and 22 subjects have been recruited from the control and case groups, respectively. Recruitment is expected to be completed by March 2024 and all analyses should be completed by August 2024. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of the study will identify the nonmodifiable genetic components contributing to developing vitamin D deficiency leading to HDP. This will in turn enable gaining a better understanding of the contribution of genetic variability to the development of HDP, thus providing more evidence for a need of customized vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy according to the individual variability in the response to vitamin D intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05659173; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05659173. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/53722.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakubu Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Serdang, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Nurul Iftida Basri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Norshariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Amilia Afzan Mohd Jamil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Serdang, Malaysia
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Fitzgerald JS, Swanson BJ, Larson-Meyer DE. Vitamin D Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes of Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:585-595. [PMID: 37389497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.04.010] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of this systematic review were 2-fold: (1) evaluate the effect of vitamin D educational interventions on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration in adolescents (aged 10-19 years) and adults, and (2) assess the association between serum 25-OHD concentration and vitamin D knowledge, awareness of vitamin D deficiency risk, and attitudes toward behaviors associated with acquiring vitamin D. METHODS Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched for studies reporting associations between serum 25-OHD concentration and vitamin D knowledge, awareness, and attitudes. Results were summarized narratively. Effect sizes were calculated when data were available. RESULTS Eight studies reported experimental effects (2 randomized controlled trials, 1 cluster randomized trial, 4 quasi-experiments, 1 clinical audit), and 14 reported cross-sectional associations. Seven of 8 interventions reported no effect of educational interventions on serum 25-OHD concentration. A slight majority (53%; κ = 19) of studies reported statistically significant associations between serum 25-OHD concentration and vitamin D knowledge and attitudes. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE The few educational interventions employed to increase serum 25-OHD concentration lack effectiveness. Future studies may use randomized controlled trial designs, enroll those at risk for vitamin D insufficiency and underrepresented in the literature, increase the salience of the information to the target population, and include safe sun exposure recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Fitzgerald
- Department of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND.
| | - Brenna J Swanson
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
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Saleh A, Shibli F, El Masri J, Mouslem H, Odeh M, Fawaz H, Almealawy YF, Bdair A, Ghazi M, Alnajjar AH, Elzayat MA, Salameh P. Osteoporosis and vitamin D consumption: knowledge and practice in different Arab countries. Arch Osteoporos 2023; 18:85. [PMID: 37341798 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-023-01298-8] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices were moderate in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Improving knowledge through awareness campaign and screening programs is essential to enhance vitamin D-related practices. PURPOSE Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease, which usually remains silent until fractures occur. Vitamin D deficiency impairs bone mineralization and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Despite being relatively sunny, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a high prevalence of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D. This study aims to assess the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices and to determine the correlation between them in some countries of the MENA region. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. From each country, 600 participants were enrolled. The survey included four sections: sociodemographic information, past medical history, Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool to assess the knowledge about osteoporosis, and Practice Towards Vitamin D scale to assess vitamin D-related practices. RESULTS Our study found that 67.14% of respondents had moderate knowledge about osteoporosis and 42.31% had moderate vitamin D-related practices. Higher knowledge level was reported in the young, females, Syrians, singles, postgraduates, and healthcare employees (p < 0.05). Better vitamin D-related practices were detected in the elderly, males, Egyptians, married, and high school or below educational level (p < 0.05). The Internet was the most listed source of information. Adequate osteoporosis knowledge was associated with better vitamin D-related practices (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Most participants, representing some countries of the MENA region, displayed moderate knowledge regarding osteoporosis and moderate vitamin D-related practices. Adequate knowledge about osteoporosis is essential to improve practices, so awareness campaigns and screening programs should be more frequently implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalaa Saleh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Farah Shibli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jad El Masri
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- iNSPECT-LB (Intitut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique Et Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadi Mouslem
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mahmoud Odeh
- School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hassan Fawaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Amjad Bdair
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Maya Ghazi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anas H Alnajjar
- College of Medicine, Sulaiman Alrajhi University, Al Bukayriyah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
- iNSPECT-LB (Intitut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique Et Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, Byblos, Lebanon
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Agustina R, Rianda D, Lasepa W, Birahmatika FS, Stajic V, Mufida R. Nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women in Indonesia and Malaysia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1030343. [PMID: 37063336 PMCID: PMC10098007 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1030343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionOptimizing dietary intake during pregnancy and lactation is crucial to the growth and development of children and their lifelong health. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women in Indonesia and Malaysia, countries that are experiencing rapid nutrition transition in Southeast Asia.MethodsWe screened 2,258 studies published between January 1980 and March 2021. The nutrient intakes of pregnant and lactating women were quantitatively analyzed to calculate the percentage of adequacy using national recommended daily allowances or nutrient intakes (RDA/RNI) and estimated average requirements (EAR) for micronutrients. Standardized mean differences (SMD) between dietary intake and RDA/RNI were determined for selected nutrients.ResultsFifty-three studies were included and showed that energy and macronutrient intakes among pregnant and lactating women in both countries were below the RDA/RNI. In addition, most studies reported that women failed to meet the EAR for vitamin D (<70% EAR), vitamin E (<50% EAR), and water-soluble vitamins (<80% EAR) except for vitamin C and A among Malaysians. Moreover, calcium, potassium, and iron intakes of pregnant women were <60% EAR in Indonesia and <80% EAR in Malaysia. Phosphorus intake among pregnant women in both countries and sodium intake among Malaysian pregnant women exceeded 100% EAR. Indonesian lactating women had <60% EAR for calcium and potassium intakes, while Malaysian women had more than 100% EAR. For 21 studies reporting overall protein intakes, the standard mean difference (SMD) was −2.26 (95% CI; −2.98, −1.54) below the RDA/RNI for pregnant women and −0.67 SMD (95% CI −15.7, −11.5) for lactating women. When the four studies from Malaysia were analyzed separately, protein intakes of pregnant women were above the RNI. Moreover, low intakes of vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, but sufficient intakes in vitamin A, zinc, and phosphorus were observed in pregnant women in both countries.ConclusionDietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin E, water-soluble vitamins, calcium, and iron) of pregnant and lactating women in Indonesia and Malaysia were below the recommendations. Important heterogeneities were observed even between these two countries for specific essential nutrient intakes. Innovative research and targeted programs to address specific deficiencies should be prioritized.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021252204, identifier: CRD42021252204.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Agustina
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- *Correspondence: Rina Agustina ;
| | - Davrina Rianda
- Human Nutrition Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education, and Research Center (HNRC-IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wanda Lasepa
- Human Nutrition Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education, and Research Center (HNRC-IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fitya S. Birahmatika
- Human Nutrition Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education, and Research Center (HNRC-IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Vladimir Stajic
- Blackmores Institute, Blackmores Limited, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachmi Mufida
- Human Nutrition Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education, and Research Center (HNRC-IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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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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Mohd Saffian S, Jamil NA, Mohd Tahir NA, Hatah E. Vitamin D insufficiency is high in Malaysia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on vitamin D status in Malaysia. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1050745. [PMID: 36466384 PMCID: PMC9715981 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1050745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the vitamin D status of participants residing in Malaysia. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MyJurnal were searched up to June 2022 without language restrictions. Studies that reported the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and defined their cut-off for deficiency or insufficiency from healthy participants residing in Malaysia were included. The random effects model was used to pool vitamin D status using established cut-offs of <30, <50, and <75 nmol/L according to age group. RESULTS From 299 studies screened, 32 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion for <30 nmol/L was 21% (95% CI 9-36, n = 2,438 from 10 studies), while the pooled proportion <50 nmol/L was 64% (95% CI 56-72, n = 13,977 from 30 studies), and <75 nmol/L was 85% (95% CI 61-100, n = 1,376 from five studies). Heterogeneity was high (I2 ranged from 98-99%). Higher proportions of vitamin D insufficiency (defined as <50 nmol/L) were found in participants living in the urban areas (compared to rural areas), in females (compared to males), and in Malays and Malaysian Indians (compared to Malaysian Chinese) ethnicities. CONCLUSION More than half of Malaysians have insufficient vitamin D levels, despite being a country that is close to the equator. We strongly urge prompt public health measures to improve the vitamin D status in Malaysia. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021260259].
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamin Mohd Saffian
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Asyikin Mohd Tahir
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ernieda Hatah
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Jiang Z, Pu R, Li N, Chen C, Li J, Dai W, Wang Y, Hu J, Zhu D, Yu Q, Shi Y, Yang G. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021:1-10. [PMID: 34783278 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1990850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem. However, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asian populations is unclear. The aims of our study were to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with different health outcomes in Asia. Searches for studies published from January 2009 to January 2021 were performed in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. This study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021229841). In total, 472 studies with 746,564 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration was 49.39 nmol/L; 20.93% of the participants had 25(OH)D levels <25 nmol/L, 22.82% had levels <30 nmol/L, 57.69% had levels <50 nmol/L, and 76.85% had levels <75 nmol/L. This review found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asia is high. The factors significantly related to vitamin D deficiency were gender, age, altitude, region, and specific diseases (diabetes, cancer, fracture, systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], fatty liver disease, osteopenia, thyroiditis, anemia, hepatitis, metabolic diseases, and dermatitis). These findings may serve as the foundation for more detailed public health strategies and policies on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Jiang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Pu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaozhen Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jialu Li
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxing Hu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danji Zhu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Yu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoli Yang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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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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