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.

Figure 1

Figure 2
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Additional file 1: Appendix 1 (doc); knowledge determinants.
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Posted 03 Dec, 2020
Posted 03 Dec, 2020
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.

Figure 1

Figure 2
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Additional file 1: Appendix 1 (doc); knowledge determinants.
Loading...