Vitamin-D Deficiency: An Alarming Situation for Pakistani Undergraduate Dental Students

Abstract

Vitamins are one of the most important nutritional factors implicated in several oral and systemic diseases and conditions It is considered that adequate amounts of Various indications regarding the function of Vitamin D for oral health are highlighted through Knowledge of vitamin D for dental students. Current research has shown solid evidence regarding the correlation between periodontal health and consumption of vitamin D. Pakistan had a significant rate of vitamin D insufficiency. The objective of this study is to find out the knowledge regarding vitamin D among undergraduate dental students. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among dental students. The sample size was estimated as 100 using the Open Epi online sample size calculator. The dental care students aged 20-26 years of both genders were included in the study. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed to select the participants.  Ethical clearance was received from the Institutional Review Committee of SIOHS. All data was collected by a self-made questionnaire for the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding vitamin D deficiency among dental students. The reliability of the questionnaire was checked and Cronbach’s alpha value was calculated as 82%. Overall 100 BDS students registered in this research. The average age of the participants was reported as 22.91±1.27 years. Out of 100 students, 32 were males and 68 were females with a response rate of 100%. About 81% of students had exposure to the sun. About 89% of the dental students had heard about Vitamin D deficiency. There is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and vitamin D consumption and calcium, and the long-term prognosis of the disease depends upon early treatment. However, the importance of establishing awareness programs among dental students as well as among the local public helps structure more knowledge about vitamin D's importance.