# Impact of Education and Gender on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Vitamin D Among the Lebanese Population With Emphasis on Young Adults

## TL;DR

This study examines how education and gender influence knowledge, attitudes, and practices about vitamin D among young Lebanese adults.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into vitamin D-related knowledge and behaviors in a sun-rich but understudied population.

## Key findings

- Most participants had sufficient knowledge about vitamin D sources, with sunlight seen as most crucial.
- Over 90% were willing to take supplements or undergo testing for vitamin D deficiency.
- Despite good knowledge, over half expressed concerns about their vitamin D levels.

## Abstract

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is a growing global health concern that affects populations, even in sun-rich regions such as Lebanon. Despite abundant sunlight, limited research has explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to vitamin D among young Lebanese adults.

Study design

This study employed an online quantitative cross-sectional design.

Methods

A self-administered online questionnaire distributed over six months (from August 2023 to January 2024) collected data on the participants' demographic characteristics, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to vitamin D.

Results

Most participants (75.7%) had sufficient knowledge about vitamin D sources. The internet and physicians emerged as the dominant sources, cited by 175 participants, which represented 17.6% of the total responses related to vitamin D knowledge sources. Sunlight was perceived by the participants as the most crucial source. Additionally, 244 (33.7%) of the participants acknowledged the role of vitamin D in preventing osteoporosis, whereas 144 (20.4%) believed that it was aiding in calcium absorption. Significant levels of knowledge (defined as scores of ≥21 out of 40) and positive attitudes (defined as ≥4 correct answers out of six) were evident among more than 255 (75%) of the participants. However, over half expressed concerns about their vitamin D levels. Most were willing to take supplements (330, 92.7%) and undergo testing (326, 92.1%).

Conclusion

Although young Lebanese adults demonstrated good overall knowledge and positive attitudes toward vitamin D deficiency, implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns and health programs that emphasize behavior change is crucial for combating deficiency. These initiatives should focus on promoting tangible changes in practices, such as safe sun exposure, the consumption of vitamin D-rich foods, and adherence to testing and supplementation when necessary.