KNOWLEDGE,ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG MEDICAL AND DENTAL UNDERGRADUATES ON SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE AND VITAMIN D DURING THE PANDEMIC PERIOD

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin D is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. Sunlight exposure is essential for the
synthesis of Vitamin D. Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns have resulted in reduced outdoor activities in
the student community because of online education. This could lead to the deficiency of Vitamin D. We undertook this
study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of sunlight exposure and Vitamin D among the medical and
dental students during the lockdown period. This study was conducted as a pre-validated voluntary Methods y crosssectional
observational online survey, using the Google form in 347 medical and dental undergraduates after obtaining
the approval from Institutional Ethical Committee. The questionnaire was aimed to assess the level of knowledge and
practices about sunlight exposure, sunscreen usage and Vitamin D of the participants. Data was analysed statistically
using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi square tests. Results Among 347 respondents, 46% of dental and 57.3% of the medical
students preferred to go out in the sun. This was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant
difference between the groups in the questions pertaining to sources of Vitamin D. Conclusion This is a preliminary
exploratory survey pertaining to the knowledge and practices about sun exposure and Vitamin D during the pandemic
period. Even though majority of our participants were aware of the significance of Vitamin D and sunlight for bone health,
it is emphasized that they consume Vitamin D fortified foods, expose themselves to direct sunlight which in turn will
strengthen their immunity.