scholarly journals Awareness regarding the importance of vitamin D and prevention of its deficiency among female undergraduate medical students

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 865
Author(s):  
Nida Nowreen ◽  
Reqaya Hameed
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Nutritional Disorder ◽  
Time Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common nutritional disorder that has assumed epidemic proportion. One of the major reasons for the worldwide spread of this disorder has been deficient awareness about the importance of vitamin D, its benefits on health, and prevention of deficiency state across different populations. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is widely prevalent in this part of the country (Kashmir valley, India), the prevalence being higher in females. This study was conducted to assess the awareness of female medical students regarding the importance of vitamin D and the prevention of its deficiency among them.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 113 female medical students. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of two parts was used to collect data. The first part was for identifying socio-demographic characters and the second half was a 12-question, multiple-choice survey focussing on vitamin D. Data was entered and analysed using computer software MS Excel.Results: The results of the study showed that the participants had good knowledge regarding some aspects while knowledge for other aspects was poor. The majority of participants had adequate knowledge about main source/dietary source of vitamin D, the site of synthesis, effect of vitamin D on bone health, main effects of deficiency on bone health, identification of high-risk groups and importance of supplements in management of deficiency. However, majority had inadequate knowledge about the epidemic state of VDD, RDA, time/duration of sun exposure and other effects of deficiency.Conclusions: The present study showed that there are some gaps in awareness about vitamin D, its benefits, and management of deficiency among female medical students.

scholarly journals Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Management: Awareness among Indian Medical Undergraduates

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangshen Lhamo ◽  
Preeta Kaur Chugh ◽  
Sandhya R. Gautam ◽  
C. D. Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a baseline assessment and create awareness among medical students regarding vitamin D. A cross-sectional, voluntary survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using a questionnaire which assessed the level of knowledge students had with regard to where vitamin D comes from, what it does for health, how much is recommended, factors that affect its levels, and deficiency management. Majority of students were unaware that vitamin D deficiency has attained epidemic proportions. Though bone and skeletal disorders as a complication of vitamin D deficiency were known, a large number were unaware of systemic consequences (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers). Only one-third of respondents were aware of duration and timing of sun exposure required for adequate serum vitamin D levels. However, we observed lack of awareness among students regarding the various biochemical forms, dose, and duration of vitamin D supplementation for treatment of nutritional deficiency. Our study highlighted a lack of knowledge about the importance of vitamin D, worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and its management among medical students. Promoting vitamin D health awareness, if replicated across populations, could lead to positive health outcomes globally.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING IMAM HUSSEIN MEDICAL CITY IN KARBALA 2018

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
SARAH JAFAR AL-GHRAIBAWI ◽  
SAAD IBRAHIM AL-GHABBAN ◽  
RIYADH DHEYHOOD AL-ZUBAIDY
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical City ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem. It is significantly associated with skeletal and non-skeletal problems. Prevention can be maintained mainly by effective sun exposure or supplementation and to lesser extent by dietary intake. To determine the magnitude of knowledge and practice of women towards vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study, purposive sample of 442 women were approached who attended consultants’ clinics of Imam Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Data collection done between March 2 and June 30, 2018 through direct interviews using a special questionnaire prepared for the purpose of the study. Results: Less than half (45.2%) of the women had heard about vitamin D; their source of information was from relatives and friends then from health care provider. The mean score for the participants’ knowledge about VDD was 4.25 out of 9.0 (47%). It has a significant association with higher educational levels and urban residence. There is no significant difference regarding age, marital status or occupation. The mean score for the participants’ practice about vitamin D deficiency was 2.53 out of 5 (50.71%). There is no influence of practice score by socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: Overall knowledge towards vitamin D deficiency was suboptimal. Improving practices towards VD is directly related to increase knowledge about it that indicates the need to increase public awareness about the problem, encourage appropriate way of sun exposure, consumption of vitamin D rich food and taking supplementation when sun exposure is difficult.

Vitamin D status of children in Kerala, southern India

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhava Vijayakumar ◽  
Vijayalakshmi Bhatia ◽  
Biju George
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Fish Diet ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

AbstractObjectiveTo study plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status of children in Kerala, southern India, and its relationship with sociodemographic variables.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingTertiary government hospital.ParticipantsChildren (n 296) with trivial acute illness were enrolled. Sun exposure and Ca and vitamin D intakes (7 d dietary recall) were documented. Serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase, plasma 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured.ResultsPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency (plasma 25(OH)D <30 nmol/l) was 11·1% (median, interquartile range (IQR): 52·6, 38·4–65·6 nmol/l). Children who ate fish daily had significantly higher plasma 25(OH)D than those who did not (median, IQR: 52·5, 40·8–68·9 v. 49·1, 36·2–60·7 nmol/l; P = 0·02). Those investigated in the months of March–May showed highest 25(OH)D v. those enrolled during other times (median, IQR: 58·7, 45·6–81·4 v. 45·5, 35·6–57·4 nmol/l; P <0·001). Plasma 25(OH)D correlated positively with serum P (r = 0·24, P <0·001) and Ca intake (r = 0·16, P 0·03), negatively with age (r = −0·13, P 0·03) and PTH (r = −0·22, P <0·001.). On linear regression, summer season (March–May), lower age, daily fish intake and higher Ca intake were independently associated with plasma 25(OH)D.ConclusionsPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency is low in Kerala. The natural fish diet of coastal Kerala and the latitude may be protective. Public health policy in India should take account of this geographical diversity.

scholarly journals Sun Exposure Behavior, Seasonal Vitamin D Deficiency, and Relationship to Bone Health in Adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (8) ◽  
pp. 3105-3113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Farrar ◽  
M. Zulf Mughal ◽  
Judith E. Adams ◽  
Jack Wilkinson ◽  
Jacqueline L. Berry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Sun Exposure

scholarly journals Association of vitamin D with adiposity measures and other determinants in a cross-sectional study of Cypriot adolescents

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania Kolokotroni ◽  
Anna Papadopoulou ◽  
Panayiotis K Yiallouros ◽  
Vasilios Raftopoulos ◽  
Christiana Kouta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serum Vitamin D

AbstractObjectiveTo assess vitamin D status among Cypriot adolescents and investigate potential determinants including BMI and body fat percentage (BF%).DesignParticipants had cross-sectional assessments of serum vitamin D, physical activity, dietary vitamin D intake and sun exposure. Linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of vitamin D with potential predictors.SettingHospitals, Cyprus, November 2007–May 2008.SubjectsAdolescents (n 671) aged 16–18 years.ResultsMean serum vitamin D was 22·90 (sd 6·41) ng/ml. Only one in ten children had sufficient levels of vitamin D (≥30 ng/ml), while the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (12–20 ng/ml) and severe deficiency (<12 ng/ml) was 31·7 % and 4·0 %, respectively. Lower vitamin D was associated with winter and spring season, female gender, reduced sun exposure in winter and darker skin. Participants with highest BMI and BF% when compared with a middle reference group had increased adjusted odds of vitamin D insufficiency (OR = 3·00; 95 % CI 1·21, 7·45 and OR = 5·02; 95 % CI 1·80, 13·97, respectively). A similar pattern, although not as strong, was shown for vitamin D deficiency with BF% (OR = 1·81; 95 % CI 1·04, 3·16) and BMI (OR = 1·51; 95 % CI 0·85, 2·67). Participants in the lowest BMI and BF% groups also displayed compromised vitamin D status, suggesting a U-shaped association.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency in adolescence is very prevalent in sunny Cyprus, particularly among females, those with darker skin and those with reduced sun exposure in winter. Furthermore, vitamin D status appears to have a U-shaped association with adiposity measures.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients reporting to the West Bank governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 01 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Dina Bitar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
West Bank ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The West ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies are major public health problems; they may result from inappropriate low exposure to sunlight, autoimmune diseases or diminished intake. These two deficiencies have been extensively studied globally: causes, e"ects, treatment, as well as epidemiology. In Palestine the epidemiology of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies has not been addressed. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in patients reporting to the West Bank (WB) governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018. It is a retrospective cross-sectional study for the data collected from medical records of patients tested for these deficiencies in 12 WB governmental hospitals for the three years period. Out of 30890 patients tested for vitamin D levels, 88% had insu!cient vitamin D levels (< 30 ng/ml), whereas out of 43532 patients tested for vitamin B12, 19% had insu!cient vitamin B12 levels (< 203 pg/ml). The percentage of patients with insu!cient vitamin D levels is alarming. The percentage of patients with insu!cient vitamin B12 levels falls within ranges reported by other studies in various countries. In conclusion, this study revealed an alarmingly high percentage (88%) of vitamin D deficiency below the reference su!ciency level among patients suspected to have such a deficiency. Around one fifth of the patients tested for vitamin B12 had insu!cient levels. Because testing for vitamin D is costly, we suggest, that medical suspicion of vitamin D deficiency would be adequate to initiate treatment to alleviate the expense, especially in high-risk groups such as elderly women. Future studies have to address major risk factors contributing to these deficiencies that are specific to our community.

scholarly journals Determinants of vitamin D deficiency among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia

2015 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 1151-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
A A BinSaeed ◽  
A A Torchyan ◽  
B N AlOmair ◽  
N S AlQadhib ◽  
F M AlSuwayeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students

scholarly journals High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in school-age children in Tehran, 2008: a red alert

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 324-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tirang R Neyestani ◽  
Majid Hajifaraji ◽  
Nasrin Omidvar ◽  
Mohammad R Eshraghian ◽  
Nastaran Shariatzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the vitamin D status of 9–12-year-old primary-school children in Tehran during autumn and winter 2007–2008.DesignA descriptive cross-sectional study.SettingPrimary schools of Tehran city, Iran.SubjectsA total of 1111 children aged 9–12 years (573 boys and 538 girls) from sixty primary schools were enrolled in the study. Weight, height, BMI and serum levels of Ca, P, Mg, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase of all the participants were assessed. Dietary Ca intake was also evaluated using a quantitative FFQ for a subsample of the study population (n 503). Vitamin D sufficiency was defined on the basis of serum levels of 25(OH)D as either ≥37 nmol/l (criterion 1) or ≥50 nmol/l (criterion 2).ResultsDaily intake of Ca did not differ significantly between boys and girls (929·6 (sd 436·7) mg and 909·5 (sd 465·5) mg, respectively). However, on the basis of the first criterion, approximately 86 % of the children had vitamin D deficiency, with 38·3 % being severely deficient (25(OH)D < 12·5 nmol/l). According to the second criterion, prevalence of vitamin D deficiency rose to 91·7 %. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher in girls than in boys by either criterion. Serum levels of 25(OH)D inversely correlated with iPTH (r = −0·154, P < 0·001) and BMI (r = −0·092, P = 0·002) but directly correlated with duration of sun exposure (r = 0·115, P < 0·001).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among schoolchildren (especially among girls) warrants immediate interventions for proper nutritional support.

scholarly journals Students’ ”D”ILEMMA: An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Toward Vitamin D Among University Students

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Negia Mohamed ◽  
Walid Al-Qerem ◽  
Ezeddin Gassar ◽  
Mohammad Hailat ◽  
Faiza Elhamdy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
University Students ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use

Abstract 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.

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