Knowledge and Predictors of Vitamin D Awareness Among Greek Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function, yet significant misconceptions and knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to assess knowledge regarding vitamin D among Greek women and identify factors associated with vitamin D knowledge.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 761 Greek women (mean age: 41.2 ± 7.7 years) using an online self-administered questionnaire designed in Google Forms. Participants were recruited via social media platforms to ensure a geographically diverse sample.

Results: Overall, 57.4% of participants demonstrated knowledge of vitamin D's functions, primarily linking it to bone health (34.4%) and immune function (26.8%). The multiple regression model identified significant predictors of knowledge of vitamin D's functions, including age (OR = 1.041, 95% CI: 1.019-1.062, p < 0.001), weight (OR = 0.964, 95% CI: 0.938-0.992, p = 0.010), and frequent vitamin D testing (>2 times: OR = 2.280, 95% CI: 1.392-3.736, p = 0.001; once-twice: OR = 1.776, 95% CI: 1.111-2.829, p = 0.016). Furthermore, age (OR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.027-1.081, p < 0.001), weight (OR = 0.987, 95% CI: 0.975-0.999, p = 0.028), higher city population (>50,000 citizens: OR = 1.598, 95% CI: 1.021-2.502, p = 0.040), frequent vitamin D testing (>2 times: OR = 2.616, 95% CI: 1.529-4.447, p < 0.003; one-two times: OR = 1.773, 95% CI: 1.052-2.989, p = 0.032), and children's supplementation (OR = 1.414, 95% CI: 1.007-1.987, p = 0.046) were significant predictors of knowledge regarding diseases preventable by vitamin D.

Conclusions: Greek women demonstrated moderate awareness of vitamin D's functions, but significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding its role in calcium absorption and dietary sources. Age, frequent vitamin D testing, and urban residence were significant predictors of knowledge. Targeted public health campaigns are essential to address misconceptions and improve vitamin D awareness and practices.