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Vitamin D Knowledge and Awareness Is Associated with Physical Activity among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Nasser M. Al-Daghri

    (Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hanan A. Alfawaz

    (Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food & Agriculture Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia)

  • Nasiruddin Khan

    (Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Applied and Health Sciences, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra 400, Oman)

  • Gamal M. Saadawy

    (Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Shaun Sabico

    (Biochemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The relation between knowledge and awareness of vitamin D (VD) and physical activity in adults has not been well studied. The present cross-sectional study aims to demonstrate this relation among adults living in Saudi Arabia. A total of 774 adults participated and were stratified based on self-reports of whether they were physically active (PA group, N = 562) or not (non-PA, N = 212). The prevalence of VD awareness and its health effects were significantly higher in the PA group compared with their counterparts (97 vs. 93.4%; p = 0.02 and 92.3 vs. 81.6%; p < 0.001, respectively). Sunlight was the preferred overall source of VD among the PA group (91.1%) followed by food, supplements, and fortified foods. Sardine, salmon, oily fish (63.7%) and eggs (54.6%) were reported as good dietary sources. Other positive attitudes, represented by taking supplement or multivitamins (51.2%), high sun exposure (33.1%), and daily duration of exposure to sunlight (15–30 min; 53.4%) were higher in the PA than the non-PA group ( p values < 0.05). The body parts exposed to the sun among the PA group were arms (67.1%), hands (64.1%), face and hands (62.5%), legs (58.5%), and face (53.2%), while sunscreen cream (47.2%) was their preferred sun-protection method. High levels of knowledge and positive attitudes were reported by the PA group compared with the non-PA group in regard to walking outdoors for sun exposure (80.6 vs. 62.7%; p < 0.001). Information about good dietary sources, the role of VD in human health, associated diseases, positive attitudes to sun exposure, and the use of supplements or multivitamins were among the determinants of VD knowledge and awareness. In conclusion, VD knowledge and awareness are positively associated with self-reported physical activity in adults. Further objective classifications of PA may strengthen the results of the present investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nasser M. Al-Daghri & Hanan A. Alfawaz & Nasiruddin Khan & Gamal M. Saadawy & Shaun Sabico, 2023. "Vitamin D Knowledge and Awareness Is Associated with Physical Activity among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1601-:d:1037138
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Clodagh O’Connor & Dominique Glatt & Lois White & Raquel Revuelta Iniesta, 2018. "Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Vitamin D in a UK Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Nor Aini Jamil & Nurul Nadiah Shahudin & Nur Surfina Abdul Aziz & Chew Jia Qi & Wan Az Aleesa Wan Aminuddin & Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin & Kok-Yong Chin & Zahara Abd Manaf & Norlida Mat Daud, 2019. "Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Related to Vitamin D and Its Relationship with Vitamin D Status among Malay Female Office Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-11, November.
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