Knowledge and Predictors of Vitamin D Awareness Among Greek Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores how much Greek women know about vitamin D and finds that age, frequent testing, and urban living are linked to better awareness.

Contribution

The study identifies specific predictors of vitamin D knowledge among Greek women, including demographic and health-related factors.

Findings

57.4% of participants knew vitamin D functions, mainly associating it with bone health and immune function.

Age, weight, frequent vitamin D testing, and urban residence were significant predictors of vitamin D knowledge.

Knowledge gaps persist regarding vitamin D's role in calcium absorption and dietary sources.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function, yet significant misconceptions and knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to assess knowledge regarding vitamin D among Greek women and identify factors associated with vitamin D knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 761 Greek women (mean age: 41.2 ± 7.7 years) using an online self-administered questionnaire designed in Google Forms. Participants were recruited via social media platforms to ensure a geographically diverse sample. Results: Overall, 57.4% of participants demonstrated knowledge of vitamin D’s functions, primarily linking it to bone health (34.4%) and immune function (26.8%). The multiple regression model identified significant predictors of knowledge of vitamin D’s functions, including age (OR = 1.041, 95% CI: 1.019–1.062, p < 0.001), weight (OR = 0.964, 95% CI: 0.938–0.992, p = 0.010), and frequent vitamin D testing (>2 times: OR = 2.280, 95% CI: 1.392–3.736, p = 0.001; once–twice: OR = 1.776, 95% CI: 1.111–2.829, p = 0.016). Furthermore, age (OR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.027–1.081, p < 0.001), weight (OR = 0.987, 95% CI: 0.975–0.999, p = 0.028), higher city population (>50,000 citizens: OR = 1.598, 95% CI: 1.021–2.502, p = 0.040), frequent vitamin D testing (>2 times: OR = 2.616, 95% CI: 1.529–4.447, p < 0.003; one–two times: OR = 1.773, 95% CI: 1.052–2.989, p = 0.032), and children’s supplementation (OR = 1.414, 95% CI: 1.007–1.987, p = 0.046) were significant predictors of knowledge regarding diseases preventable by vitamin D. Conclusions: Greek women demonstrated moderate awareness of vitamin D’s functions, but significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding its role in calcium absorption and dietary sources. Age, frequent vitamin D testing, and urban residence were significant predictors of knowledge. Targeted public health campaigns are essential to address misconceptions and improve vitamin D awareness and practices.

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