Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Dec 22;102(51):e36529. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036529.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem among adults in Saudi Arabia, particularly females. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and cognitive decline. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of vitamin D deficiency among female students in Jazan University as well as to determine the sociodemographic related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 female undergraduate and postgraduate students (18 years of age and older) in March 2022 from Saudi Arabia. Students completed a web-based survey about vitamin D and their demographic characteristics. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistics, the Chi-squared test of homogeneity, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. The results revealed that the participants had limited knowledge related to vitamin D normal level (49.5%), and the recommended daily amount of vitamin D (26.5%). Most of the participants were unaware of its benefits for vision, muscle integrity, weakness, and fatigue. Most of them recognized the importance of sunlight for maintaining suitable levels of vitamin D (94.1%). However, only 43.1% identified that decreased intake of foods rich in vitamin D is a cause of vitamin D deficiency. Participants (33.7%) preferred exposure to sunlight to improve their vita-min D levels, and 32.4% used vitamin D supplements. However, only 39.2% had ever examined their vitamin D status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a significant association between knowledge, and residence, and source of information (odds ratios = 3.48 and 2.79, respectively, P < .05). Most respondents had a basic understanding of vitamin D, vitamin D insufficiency, and the environmental and dietary factors contributing to it. Given the findings obtained, cognitive interventions need to be carried out.
维生素 D 缺乏症是沙特阿拉伯成年人中常见的健康问题，尤其是女性。维生素 D 缺乏与许多疾病有关，包括心血管疾病、糖尿病、自身免疫性疾病、神经紊乱和认知能力下降。本研究旨在评估吉赞大学女性学生对维生素 D 缺乏症的知识、意识和实践情况，并确定与社会人口统计学相关的因素。2022 年 3 月，在沙特阿拉伯对 204 名 18 岁及以上的本科和研究生女学生进行了一项横断面研究。学生们完成了一份关于维生素 D 及其人口统计学特征的网络调查。使用社会科学统计软件进行统计分析。使用描述性统计、同质性卡方检验、单变量和多变量逻辑回归进行分析。结果显示，参与者对维生素 D 正常水平（49.5%）和推荐的每日维生素 D 量（26.5%）的相关知识有限。大多数参与者不知道维生素 D 对视力、肌肉完整性、虚弱和疲劳的益处。他们大多数人都认识到阳光对维持适当的维生素 D 水平的重要性（94.1%）。然而，只有 43.1%的人认为减少摄入富含维生素 D 的食物是导致维生素 D 缺乏的原因。参与者（33.7%）更喜欢暴露在阳光下以提高他们的维生素 D 水平，而 32.4%的人使用维生素 D 补充剂。然而，只有 39.2%的人曾检查过他们的维生素 D 状况。单变量和多变量逻辑回归模型表明，知识、居住地和信息来源与知识之间存在显著关联（比值比分别为 3.48 和 2.79，P 值均<0.05）。大多数受访者对维生素 D、维生素 D 不足以及导致其不足的环境和饮食因素有基本的了解。鉴于所获得的结果，需要进行认知干预。
