KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF VITAMIN D AMONG NURSING STUDENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA

Dr. Jyoti Khanna*, Dr. Jyoti Kaushal

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in North India. Besides its role in calcium homeostasis, it is associated with various disorders like cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancers etc. Material and methods: This study was planned to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Vitamin D among nursing students in a tertiary care hospital in North India. 247 subjects were enrolled in study after receiving informed consent. The questionnaire contained open ended questions regarding knowledge and yes/no questions on attitude and practice. Results: About 98% knew that vitamin D is essential for health and sunrays are the main source of vitamin D. Only 36% knew about animal origin. About 82% had no idea regarding prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India. 75% did not know about its recommended daily allowance. Only 39% knew two or more risk factors for its deficiency. 45% knew at least two symptoms of its deficiency. 68% did not have any knowledge about hypervitaminosis D. Only 4% knew about its health benefits other than bone health. 80% had never taken any vitamin D supplement. Only 45% knew that vitamin D is assessed by its serum/blood levels. None knew about doses of Vitamin D supplements for the prophylaxis and treatment of its deficiency. Conclusion: This study shows limited knowledge and gap in knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Vitamin D among nursing students. They need to be given proper education on Vitamin D as they are the health care providers of society.

Keywords: Vitamin D, KAP, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice.