Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Vitamin D Deficiency among the Adults

The primary objectives of the present questionnaire study seeks to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding the vitamin – D deficiency amongst the adults and to assess the dietary practices towards the recommended dietary intake among the hypovitaminosis D affected individuals. This study will also evaluate the risk of hypovitaminosis D amongst adults. Hypovitaminosis – D is a major health concern worldwide leading to certain musculoskeletal disorders like osteoporosis. The main dietary goal for these individuals is to obtain adequate nutrition to optimize health by maintaining the levels of vitamin- D in the body. There are different factors which affects the synthesis of vitamin D in our body which includes age, use of sunscreen, clothing practices and geographical location. The participants were the residents of the Ballabhgarh area of Faridabad district in the state of Haryana. The age group of participants were in between 40 to 60 years. A total of 30 individuals were selected in which 15 were males and 15 were females. The knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) questionnaires contained three questions about knowledge about the disorder, six questions about attitudes and seven questions about practices were collected from the individuals fulfilling inclusion criteria. The result of the present study shows lack of knowledge among the participants and improper attitude as the percentage of correct responses were less. The practices followed by the hypovitaminosis –D patients were low exposure to sunlight and consuming food which were not rich in vitamin –D. They were not consuming supplements. The KAP study comes to the conclusion that there is a lack of awareness of this condition, negative attitudes toward it, and insufficient lifestyle and nutritional choices. Reduced incentive to take multivitamins or supplements, as well as insufficient exposure to sunlight, were additional contributing factors to the lack of knowledge. Supplements and multivitamins also play a crucial role in the management of this disorder. Hypovitaminosis – D can lead to osteoporosis (musculoskeletal disorder). Thus, more and more efforts should be done to create an awareness regarding this disorder.