Diagnosis of level of knowledge, opinion and pro-health behavior of Silesian voivodeship inhabitants concerns vitamin D and risk factors of its deficiency.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in Poland and worldwide. In the light of recent epidemiological studies, D hypovitaminosis causes not only skeletal diseases, but also other chronic diseases such as immunodeficiency or some types of cancer. The proper knowledge can significantly determine pro-health behaviour, therefore the aim of the study was to analyse the knowledge, opinion and social behaviour regarding vitamin D. MATERIAL AND METHODS The survey was conducted among 300 Silesian Voivodeship inhabitants (178 women and 122 men) using an anonymous survey containing 40 questions. RESULTS 59% of people were aware of solar radiation, as a main source of vitamin D in the human body. Sea fish, as the main dietary vitamin D source, were known to 58% of respondents. The highest number of indications (67%) had dairy products, which are poor sources of cholecalciferol. 37% of people were aware that even a well-balanced diet was not able to provide the required daily dose of vitamin D. 78% of people in the study group were aware of the calcaemic effect of vitamin D. Only 9% of respondents were aware of the safe amount of daily sun exposure, sufficient for vitamin D synthesis, while 69% indicated periods of time longer than recommended. 76% of the respondents showed a positive attitude to sun exposure. Taking vitamin D supplementation was declared by 45% of the study participants, while a serum 25(OH)D level was tested only by 6.5% of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS Insufficient knowledge about the vitamin D sources among the Silesian Voivodeship inhabitants, misconceptions about the possibility to reach adequate blood levels through the diet, and at the same time low consumption of products rich in vitamin D and its supplements, may be the causes of vitamin D deficiencies.