Table 2 Knowledge of the participants about Vitamin D (N = 940)

Role of vitamin D in the body

Correct answer*:

N (%)

83 (8.8%)

370 (39.4%)

487 (51.8%)

-bone health, calcium absorption

Vitamin D level

(ng/ml)

6.8 (3.9–13.7)

6.4 (3.7–9.9)

7.0 (4.3–9.9)^NS

-prevention of many chronic illnesses (i.e. cancer, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and high blood pressure)

Vitamin D intake (μg)

3.0 ± 1.4

3.1 ± 1.8

3.2 ± 1.8 NS

Cause of vitamin D deficiency

Correct answer:

N (%)

157 (16.7%)

289 (30.7%)

494 (52.6%)

-Limited sunlight exposure (Full time indoor occupation)

Vitamin D level

(ng/ml)

6.9 (4.5–10.5)

6.8 (4.0–11.9)

6.5 (3.7–9.3) NS

-Lack of dietary vitamin D food intake

Vitamin D intake (μg)

3.3 ± 1.7

3.2 ± 1.8

3.1 ± 1.8 ^NS

Related disease?

Correct answer:

N (%)

105 (11.2%)

382 (40.6%)

453 (48.2%)

- Osteomalacia, rickets

Vitamin D level

(ng/ml)

6.6 (4.4–13.5)

6.7 (4.1–10.0)

6.8 (3.8–9.9) ^NS

-Osteoporosis and bone fractures

Vitamin D intake (μg)

3.3 ± 1.9

3.0 ± 1.7

3.2 ± 1.8 ^NS

Food sources of vitamin D

Correct answer:

N (%)

87 (9.3%)

369 (39.3%)

483 (51.4%)

- Sea food (fish, shrimps, tuna, etc.), egg yolk, liver

-Dairy products (milk, cheese,

Vitamin D level

(ng/ml)

6.6 (4.3–11.7)

6.6 (4.1–10.3)

6.8 (3.9–9.9) ^NS

yogurt, etc. …), breakfast cereals

Vitamin D intake (μg)

3.2 ± 2.3

3.0 ± 1.8

3.3 ± 1.7 ^NS

Familiar with the term “osteoporosis” and preventive

strategies

Correct answer:

N (%)

70 (7.5%)

169 (18.0%)

701 (74.5%)

- weakening of bones, which increases risk of fractures

Vitamin D level

(ng/ml)

6.6 (4.5–12.7)

6.5 (4.0–9.3)

6.9 (3.9–10.2) ^NS

- Prevented by eating calcium and vitamin D-rich foods, exercise

Vitamin D intake (μg)

3.2 ± 2.0

3.4 ± 2.2

3.1 ± 1.7 ^NS