Knowledge attitude and practices of university students to Vitamin D and Vitamin D supplements during times of low sun exposure and post lockdown

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. Inability to get sun exposure greatly influences Vitamin D levels. Getting enough Vitamin D during childhood and young adulthood can prevent possible future diseases. We aim to estimate the level of knowledge of Saudi University students about Vitamin D and Vitamin D supplements, to correlate it with their attitudes and practices to sun exposure and Vitamin D supplements and to compare between males and females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an epidemiological cross-sectional KAP study conducted at King Saud University in Riyadh. A stratified random sampling technique was used where students were randomly selected from 3 colleges and stratified to males and females. N= 767 students completed the online survey used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the students. RESULTS: We found that the level of knowledge of university students was moderate to low (mean equivalent to 40%) where females had better knowledge. Also, their practices are not sufficient to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels as only 8.2% stay in the sun for more than an hour during weekdays. Only 10.2% of students take regular Vitamin D supplements, where females are the more likely users. 99.1% of students stay indoors during work. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about Vitamin D is low among university students but slightly higher in females and medical students. Almost all participants work indoors and most of them wear a mask whenever going out. Few students take regular Vitamin D supplements. Females agreed more they have Vitamin D deficiency and take supplements more than males.