Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Vitamin D Deficiency in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Background: Vitamin D is a very important component of all vital functions in the human body. Its deficiency is a major public health issue worldwide and is associated with a broad spectrum of diseases. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding vitamin D deficiency among the general population in the Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among the population in Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Saudi Arabia. A self-administrated online questionnaire was utilized to collect the research data during a period of four months from November 2021 to February 2022. Results: A sample of 466 participants was recruited in this study, about two-thirds of them were females (64.4%) and had a university education (67.8%). Despite 91% of them having previously heard about vitamin D, only (17.4%) were able to recognize sunlight exposure as a main source of vitamin D. Poor knowledge and positive attitude regarding vitamin D were obviously seen among 72.3% and 95.7%. Although 89% of the participants' family members had been diagnosed with hypovitaminosis D. Only 45% of the sample were willing to be compliant with vitamin D supplement whenever it is needed. The most reported source of information regarding vitamin D among the respondents was mass media (62.2%). The associated variables of good knowledge were female gender (P 0.001), young (P 0.001), unmarried (P 0.006), highly educated (P 0.048), and receiving medical information from physicians (P 0.018). Conclusion: This study reveals the poor level of knowledge about vitamin D deficiency among the Al-Qunfudhah population, and this negatively affected their compliance for vitamin D supplementation when having hypovitaminosis D. Positive attitude toward vitamin D deficiency among the majority of the participants was obvious and may direct them to change their behavior toward vitamin D. Therefore, this study highlights the necessity of educating and sensitizing population about vitamin D and prevention of its deficiency.