Exploring Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards Vitamin D among Arts and Commerce Students in Vistas Chennai

Introduction: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient and a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones with multiple functions in the body including bone health, regulation of serum calcium and phosphate levels, as well as roles in immune function, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The two major biologically inert precursors of vitamin D are vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D3 is also formed when the skin is exposed to solar ultraviolet B and then converted to pre-vitamin D3 (Sunshine Vitamin). The severe vitamin D deficiency in adults and children’s causes softening of bones, muscle weakness and fractures.

Aim: The aim of the study is to explore knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Vitamin D among Arts & Commerce students in Vels University Chennai.

Methods and Materials: The study was a prospective cross-sectional, carried out in the department of arts and commerce students in VISTAS Chennai. The questionnaire then underwent a series of validation process that included content, face validity and exploratory part. Item response theory (IRT) analysis was utilized for the validation of the knowledge domain. Exploratory factor Analysis (EFA) used for attitude and practice validation. Institutional Ethical Committee (VISTAS-SPS/IEC/VI/2020/05) approval was obtained before conducting the study. Self-online questionnaires link was sent via mail after registration. The questionnaire was divided based on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice with 5 questions each. Completed questionnaires were reviewed, entered into a database (SPSS) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results and Discussion: In our study, a total of 362 students were included where majority were males from first year commerce department around 18 to 19 years of age. Majority of the students had knowledge on vitamin D, attitude towards every day sun exposure and practice of using sun screens.

Conclusion: Our study concluded that the students’ knowledge on vitamin D is good. There was an inconsistent practices towards managing its deficiency. Despite widespread, concern about vitamin D, still attitude and practice towards Vitamin D is yet to known for young generations.