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

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Oct 27;15(11):2387. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15112387.

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.

Keywords: attitudes; fortification; knowledge; perceptions; supplementation; vitamin D.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Supplements / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • United Kingdom
  • Vitamin D*
  • Vitamins*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D