Knowledge, Awareness and Behaviour Regarding Vitamin D Levels Among Dental Students in South India: A Cross-sectional Survey

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting various physiological activities, thus contributing to overall health and well-being. Optimal vitamin D levels can be maintained through adequate sunlight exposure, a vitamin D-rich diet, or supplementation. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and behaviour regarding vitamin D levels among dental students in South India.

A multicentric online cross-sectional survey using Microsoft Forms was conducted among dental students from various dental colleges in South India. Prior informed consent was obtained from all the students. A self-administered questionnaire in English was designed using the Delphi technique. Information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle characteristics, knowledge and awareness of vitamin D levels, and vitamin D supplements was collected.

The final sample consisted of 516 dental students, of whom the majority were female [n=384; 74.4%], and the mean age was 22 years [SD: 1.67]. Mixed diet was the predominant dietary practice (79.5%). It was seen that most of the students reported 5–30 minutes or more of sun exposure on working days [97.7%]. Only one-fourth of the students (25.2%) reported that they cover entirely or use an umbrella when exposed to direct sunlight. More than three-quarters of the students have never been asked to check their vitamin D levels [74.4%] or never checked their vitamin D levels [76.2%]. Most dental students were unaware of their current vitamin D levels [92.4%]. Less than one-fifth [18%] of the dental students reported vitamin D supplementation. Only 39 dental students reported their current vitamin D levels. Only six of the 39 dental students had vitamin D levels above 30ng/ml, 28 had vitamin D deficiency [<20 ng/ml], and five students had vitamin D insufficiency [21-29ng/ml]. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of current vitamin D levels for sex [p=0.129] and academic year of study among dental students [p=0.197]. There was no significant difference in the distribution of vitamin D status among dental students with variables like sex [p=0.24], academic year [p=0.76], application of sunscreen [p=0.129], and clothing or use of an umbrella to avoid sun exposure [p>0.99], respectively.

This study highlighted poor knowledge of vitamin D levels among dental students, irrespective of sex and academic year of study, which may be attributed to a general lack of awareness regarding the role of vitamin D in maintaining physiological functions, as well as insufficient emphasis on periodic vitamin D screening.

This study reveals a lack of awareness of vitamin D status among dental students. Among those who had checked their levels, a high prevalence of self-reported vitamin D deficiency was observed.