Assessment of Serum Vitamin D Levels and Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Vitamin D Deficiency among Emergency Health-care Workers at a Tertiary Care Center in North India: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health cannot be overstated, as its deficiency is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity. There is a paucity of literature on vitamin D deficiency among healthcare workers (HCWs) in India, especially those working in emergency settings and day-night shifts. Aims and Objectives: This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to assess the levels of vitamin D among emergency healthcare workers (HCWs) and evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding vitamin D deficiency. The study sought to address the limited literature on vitamin D deficiency among HCWs in emergency settings in India. Materials and Methods: A total of 105 randomly selected healthy HCWs from the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in north India participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect demographic information and assess the participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to vitamin D. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using a 2 ml venous blood sample. Results: The mean serum vitamin D level was 15.08 ± 8.52 ng/ml, indicating a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (94.3%) among the participants. While most participants were aware of the active form of vitamin D, its sources and critical functions, knowledge about non-skeletal manifestations and measurable forms of vitamin D deficiency was limited. A majority of the participants (85.3%) recognized the importance of vitamin D as a micronutrient, and 69.3% expressed the need for education on its role. However, only 48.5% emphasized regular vitamin D intake. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among HCWs in the emergency department and identifies knowledge gaps regarding its critical functions. There is a need for an effective system to identify and address vitamin D-related health issues among HCWs, which could potentially enhance their overall efficiency.