Risk perception of sun exposure and knowledge of vitamin D among the healthcare providers in a high-risk country: a cross-sectional study

BMC Medical Education

Research

Mahbub Hasan¹  Rashawan Raziur Rouf²  UmmeRuman Siddiqi³  Fazlay Rabbi³  Mehedi Hassan⁴  Badhan Bhattacharjee⁵  Mahbubul H. Siddiqee⁵  Mohammad Shojon⁶  Umme Raihan Siddiqi⁷ 

[1]Biomedical Research Foundation, 1230, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[2]Biomedical Research Foundation, 1230, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[3]Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, 1207, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[4]Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Unit, Directorate General of Health Services, 1212, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[5]Department of Biochemistry and Food Analysis, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, 8602, Patuakhali, Bangladesh

[6]Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Microbiology Program, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, 1212, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[7]Research Wing, Red & White Innovations. Mirpur DOHS, 1216, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[8]Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, 1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh

[9]Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, 1207, Dhaka, Bangladesh

关键词: Vitamin D;    Sunlight;    Knowledge;    Attitude;    Practice;    KAP;    Physicians;    Medical students;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12909-023-04001-0

 received in 2022-08-24, accepted in 2023-01-04,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundHigh levels of vitamin D deficiency are commonly reported even in regions with abundant sunshine. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the determinants that influence sun exposure practices. As the primary source of health-related knowledge for the general public, the attitude of the healthcare professionals towards sunlight and their awareness related to vitamin D deficiency can be critical in this regard.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,242 physicians, intern doctors, and senior medical students in Bangladesh from October 2019 to February 2020. A pre-tested structured questionnaire (containing twelve close-ended questions) was used. The perceptions of health risks due to sun exposure, and basic knowledge of the physiological and epidemiological aspects of vitamin D deficiency were tested.ResultsAn overall negative attitude towards sunlight in the context of Bangladesh was highlighted – 68% participants thought regular sun exposure would be harmful or very harmful; 26% thought the level of UV radiation was very high; 44% recommended using sunscreen always; skin burns, heat stroke, and cancer were selected as potential consequences of regular sun exposure by 45%, 21%, and 30% respondents respectively. Overall knowledge regarding vitamin D deficiency appeared to be biased towards bone health; other symptoms and associated illnesses not having obvious link to Calcium-metabolism were identified much lesser frequently. Furthermore, ‘sunrise to 10 am’ was identified as the best time to get vitamin D by 69% participants; 60% believed < 30 min of weekly sun exposure would be sufficient for the Bangladeshi population; an only 33% identified that prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Bangladesh would be 50% or more. Taking vitamin D-rich food was suggested by more respondents over regular sun exposure (43% vs. 33%) as more effective remedial strategy to curb vitamin D deficiency in Bangladesh.ConclusionIn addition to highlighting some crucial knowledge gaps, results from this study provides a comprehensive baseline dataset for knowledge and attitude regarding the public health aspects of vitamin D deficiency among the healthcare providers in Bangladesh, which would be generalizable to other countries with similar socio-demographic context, and will facilitate taking more effective policies worldwide.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

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