Vitamin D2026

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vitamin D among adults in Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

Qaqunda Wadie Bashar, Amarneh Elias, Muallem Tareq, Sarhan Ameer et al. — Frontiers in public health

Summary

Despite abundant sunlight, many people in the Middle East, including Palestine, experience low vitamin D levels. This study explored what Palestinian adults know, how they feel, and what they actually do regarding vitamin D. It found moderate knowledge but also common misunderstandings and a clear gap between knowing about vitamin D and taking action.

AI-generated summary — read the original

Key points

Palestinian adults generally have moderate but incomplete knowledge about vitamin D.
Common misunderstandings exist regarding non-specific symptoms and exaggerated immune benefits of vitamin D.
While most recognize vitamin D deficiency as a public health issue, fewer perceive themselves to be personally at risk.
Daily sun exposure practices vary, with many not exposing enough skin or getting consistent sun.

What the study looked at

This study aimed to understand the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning vitamin D among adults in Palestine, a region where vitamin D deficiency is common despite ample sunshine. Researchers conducted an online survey with over 400 Palestinian adults. Participants answered questions about their backgrounds, their understanding of vitamin D, their beliefs about its importance, and their daily habits related to sun exposure and supplementation. The study then analyzed these responses to identify patterns and factors linked to better knowledge. The findings indicated that, on average, participants had moderate knowledge about vitamin D, scoring around half of the possible points. While they grasped basic concepts, many held misconceptions about less specific symptoms and overstated immune benefits. Although most recognized vitamin D deficiency as a societal health concern, fewer felt personally vulnerable. Sun exposure habits varied, with many not getting daily sun or exposing only limited body areas. Higher knowledge was associated with working in healthcare, living in a city, and regularly taking vitamin D supplements.

Dietary takeaway

This research highlights the importance of clear, accurate public health messaging about vitamin D, especially in regions with high deficiency rates. While sun exposure is a natural source, dietary choices like consuming fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and fortified foods (milk, cereals) can also contribute to vitamin D intake. Remember that this is just one study, and individual vitamin D needs can vary, so always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Middle East, including Palestine, despite abundant sunlight. Limited data exist on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding vitamin D among the general Palestinian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 402 Palestinian adults between March and April 2026 using an online survey distributed via social media. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics and vitamin D-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Knowledge was measured using a 16-item scale (score range 0-16). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and multivariable linear regression to identify independent predictors of knowledge. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was 8.15 ± 2.41 out of 16 (50.9%), and 68.4% of participants achieved at least half of the total score. Awareness of core concepts was high, but misconceptions persisted regarding nonspecific symptoms and overstated immune-related claims. Attitudes were generally favorable; however, although 76.9% of respondents recognized vitamin D deficiency as a societal health issue, only 49.0% perceived themselves to be personally at risk. Practices varied considerably: 38.1% reported daily sun exposure, and most participants exposed only limited body areas. In the final multivariable model, health-field affiliation, city residence, regular vitamin D supplementation, and non-smoking were independently associated with higher knowledge, whereas occasional supplementation was not. CONCLUSION: Palestinian adults demonstrate moderate but incomplete knowledge of vitamin D, with persistent misconceptions and a clear gap between awareness and practice. Targeted public health interventions that correct misinformation, improve health literacy, and promote evidence-based behaviors-particularly among village/camp residents and non-health professionals-are needed to improve vitamin D-related outcomes.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1868025