Knowledge and Attitude towards Vitamin D among Saudi Female university students at Princess Nourah University

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude towards vitamin D and sunlight exposure among female university students. Study Design:  Cross Sectional study design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among 500 female Saudi students in Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about vitamin D sources, health benefits and effects of vitamin D deficiency and assessing the attitude towards vitamin D and sunlight exposure. Results: The present study recognized that health college students (52.7%) had better knowledge than non-health college students (47.3%). Although PNU students had good knowledge about vitamin D, only 6.0% of them knew the current recommended daily dose. Female students showed good behavior and attitude in terms of high frequency of sunlight exposure daily (34.8%). Educational institutions were the main sources of information about vitamin D (43%). Hot weather (54.8%) and fear of pigmentation (51.2) were the main reasons for limited sunlight exposure among students. Conclusion: There was a good level of knowledge (52.2%) about vitamin D sources, benefits and effects of vitamin D deficiency among female students. In fact, health college students had better knowledge about vitamin D than non-health college students. Hot weather (54.8%) and fear of pigmentation (51.2%) were the main barriers to sunlight exposure.