A Survey of University Students’ Vitamin D–Related Knowledge

Abstract

ObjectiveTo survey Canadian university students’ vitamin D–related knowledge. MethodsUndergraduate university students (n = 1,088) were surveyed as to their vitamin D–related knowledge, including its sources, health benefits, and recommended intake. ResultsOverall, students answered 29% of questions correctly on the knowledge test. In addition, the overall test was subdivided into 3 subtests, and students scored 26% on vitamin D source knowledge, 23% on factors affecting vitamin D levels, and 37% on health effects of vitamin D. Only 8% of participants correctly identified the recommended vitamin D intake; 14% correctly identified the amount of time in the sun required to produce adequate vitamin D. Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results suggest that Canadian university students have poor knowledge concerning vitamin D. Program planners should consider improving vitamin D knowledge as a component of future health promotion programs for university students.