A Survey of Vitamin D Awareness in Libyan Adults Attending Zawiya Teaching Hospital’s Outpatient Department, 2021

Abstract

Background and aim. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread and serious problem that affects one billion people worldwide. However, its prevalence and determinants in Libya are unknown. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of vitamin D among patients attending OPD at Zawiya Teaching Hospital. Methods. a cross-sectional study of 400 patients aged 18 years or older, selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire on demographic information and knowledge about vitamin D benefits and sources. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 25.0. The knowledge score was compared between demographic groups using statistical tests. Results. All the participants had heard about vitamin D, but had variable source of information and level of knowledge. Media was the most common source of information, which may be unreliable or inaccurate. The par-ticipants knew more about the benefits than the sources of vitamin D. The mean overall knowledge score percentage was 51.21%, with 55% having good knowledge. Age, sex, and having children were sig-nificant factors influencing the knowledge score. Older participants, female participants, and partici-pants who had children had higher knowledge than younger participants, male participants, and par-ticipants who did not have children respectively. Conclusion. The study suggested that there is a need to enhance the awareness and education of the patients about vitamin D, especially its sources and defi-ciency prevention or treatment.