Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem related to public health causing multiple disorders, for example rickets, osteoporosis (weak bones) and osteomalacia. Lack of information, education and perception about the normal requirements of vitamin D is leading to emergence of many diseases in Saudi population. We aimed to assess Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss among adult female population in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We performed a cross sectional study in adult females older than 16 years who are residing in Saudi Arabia. We excluded female healthcare workers. Knowledge and practice of vitamin D deficiency and risk of hair loss were measured among included female. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: A total of 810 female were included. Most of participants were between 18-25 (41.6%) and 26-35 (39.5%) years old. 42.6% of total participant were single. 96% of them heard about vitamin D. The main source of information were Relatives & friends (55.8%) followed by health care professional (50.75%).  503 (62.1%) of the participating females correctly knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, 188 (23.2%) thought that there is no relationship while 119 (14.7%) did not know or did not have any opinion. Regarding practice, about 216 (26.7%) participants exposed themselves to sunlight, and 40% were taking Vitamin D supplement. The overall knowledge score was 9.4±2.80 out of 18. A significant difference in knowledge score was found according to age, nationality, residence and marital status.

Conclusions: The overall knowledge score was average among participants, and majority of them heard about vitamin D. About two third of the participants knew that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. There is a need to increase the taking of vitamin D supplement among female for prevention from diseases.