Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices Regarding Vitamin D Deficiency among Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a well-documented yet frequently overlooked public health concern among postmenopausal women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where diagnostic resources and health literacy remain limited.Objectives: This study sought to assess the level of knowledge, degree of awareness, and prevailing lifestyle practices concerning Vitamin D deficiency among postmenopausal women attending a tertiary-care setting in Visakhapatnam, India.Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 postmenopausal women recruited through purposive sampling. A structured, pre-validated questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic characteristics, awareness of Vitamin D, dietary habits, sunlight exposure, supplementation practices, and self-reported clinical symptoms. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages.Results: Three-quarters of the participants (75.6%) had heard of Vitamin D, yet fewer than one in four (25.4%) were aware that supplementation is a valid source. Daily sunlight exposure was reported by 48.8% of women, though regular consumption of Vitamin D-rich foods was noted in only 32.8%. Nearly half (47.2%) were not taking any supplement, and 63% had never been screened for Vitamin D deficiency. Fatigue (55.4%) and joint pain (45.6%) were the most frequently reported symptoms, while awareness of potential complications remained low, at 33.2%.Conclusion: Awareness of Vitamin D among postmenopausal women in this population exists at a surface level but does not translate into adequate screening, dietary modification, or supplementation. Health-system interventions should target this gap through structured community education and systematic screening programs.

Keywords: Awareness; Postmenopausal Women; Public Health; Supplementation; Vitamin D; Deficiency