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Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Vitamin D in a UK Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Clodagh O’Connor

    (Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK)

  • Dominique Glatt

    (Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK)

  • Lois White

    (Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK)

  • Raquel Revuelta Iniesta

    (Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK)

Abstract

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the United Kingdom is high, despite updated Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) guidelines. Therefore, our aims were to identify population knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of vitamin D supplementation and factors contributing to supplement use in a UK adult population. A cross-sectional study was performed between April–June 2018 using a newly designed piloted questionnaire. Scores for knowledge were calculated as a percentage (Boland et al. 2015). Logistic regression analysis was used to predict supplement use. 209 participants (82% female), mean (±SD) age 34.9 (±12.3) completed the questionnaire. The mean (±SD) vitamin D knowledge score was 56.6% (±19.9%); only 48% were concerned about their vitamin D concentration and 57% did not take vitamin D. Most participants (86%) wished to learn more about vitamin D. Knowledge score (OR 2.5; p = 0.01; 95% CI 1.2–5.3), concern (OR 2.1; p = 0.03; 95% CI 1.0–4.2) and location (OR 0.3; p = 0.006; 95% CI 0.1–0.7) predicted supplemented use. Individuals living in England had 2.9 (95% CI 1.4–6.3) lower odds of taking vitamin D than those living in Scotland. As a result of these findings, this study suggests that vitamin D supplementation and fortification, alongside education strategies, may be an effective method for improving UK vitamin D health; however, more research is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Clodagh O’Connor & Dominique Glatt & Lois White & Raquel Revuelta Iniesta, 2018. "Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Vitamin D in a UK Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:11:p:2387-:d:178777
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mistry, K.B. & Minkovitz, C.S. & Riley, A.W. & Johnson, S.B. & Grason, H.A. & Dubay, L.C. & Guyer, B., 2012. "A new framework for childhood health promotion: The role of policies and programs in building capacity and foundations of early childhood health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(9), pages 1688-1696.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sharifa AlBlooshi & Fatme Al Anouti & Rafiq Hijazi, 2023. "Knowledge about Vitamin D among Women in the United Arab Emirates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Erdinc Özel & Lourdes Cantarero-Arevalo & Ramune Jacobsen, 2020. "Vitamin D Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Young Danish Women with a Non-Western Ethnic Minority Background—A Questionnaire Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-9, November.
    3. David Scott & Peter R. Ebeling, 2019. "Vitamin D and Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-3, March.
    4. Nasser M. Al-Daghri & Hanan A. Alfawaz & Nasiruddin Khan & Gamal M. Saadawy & Shaun Sabico, 2023. "Vitamin D Knowledge and Awareness Is Associated with Physical Activity among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-15, January.
    5. Kevin Burchell & Lesley E. Rhodes & Ann R. Webb, 2020. "Public Awareness and Behaviour in Great Britain in the Context of Sunlight Exposure and Vitamin D: Results from the First Large-Scale and Representative Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.

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