"Understanding Vitamin D Awareness and Deficiency in the Youth of South India: A Cross-Sectional Study"

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread global issue, significantly affecting 70%–100% of the Indian population. This study aimed to evaluate Vitamin D awareness and deficiency among South Indian youth through a cross-sectional survey conducted at Dr.MGR Educational and Research Institute. A total of 619 participants, including 208 males and 411 females, were surveyed. Most respondents (95%) were from Tamil Nadu, with others from Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions. Educational levels showed 78.4% had completed schooling, 19.5% were undergraduates, and 1.1% were postgraduates. Students dominated the sample, accounting for 98.2%. The survey revealed varying awareness of Vitamin D benefits, with 26.5% linking it to bone and teeth health, and 33.1% recognizing all its benefits. While most participants identified the sun, a healthy diet, and other sources as key, 41.6% believed diet alone was sufficient to maintain Vitamin D levels. Sun exposure varied, with 35.9% having received a suntan in the past six months, and 28.1% exposed for more than 30 minutes daily. Clothing preferences, such as wearing kurtas (42%), influenced sun exposure. Sunlight was the primary source for 72.9%, but no significant correlation with vitamin D levels was found (chi-square = 32.92, p = 0.239). However, 81.9% identified sunlight as the "best" source, showing a significant association with higher levels (chi-square = 18.96, p = 0.015). Dietary sufficiency beliefs correlated with lower levels among the uncertain (chi-square = 23.26, p = 0.026). Awareness of health benefits (p = 0.332), recommendations (p = 0.715), and risk factors (p = 0.413) showed no significant relationships.The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and lifestyle adjustments to improve Vitamin D levels.

To conclude, this study highlights that South Indian youth, primarily students, understand the sun as the main source of vitamin D but lack consistent sun protection and awareness of dietary sufficiency. While beliefs about the sun's benefits correlate with vitamin D levels, awareness of risks and benefits does not strongly relate to actual deficiency. These findings suggest a need for targeted, evidence-based education on safe sun exposure and vitamin D-rich diets. Future research should focus on evaluating the impact of education, supplementation, and lifestyle changes on improving vitamin D status.