Vitamin D Awareness Among
Community Living Adults
Sabina Sharmeen MD
Sheela Dwivedi MDMD,
Division of Geriatrics
Background Information
• Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition associated with
osteoporosis and bone fracture and presents a serious risk for
physical disability, reduced quality of life, increased mortality and
health expense
• AGS Fall guidelines suggest supplementation with at least 800
international units daily in those with deficiency, suspected
deficiency, or at high fall risk
• USPTF recommends Vitamin D in addition to exercise or PT to
prevent falls in community living older adults who are at risk for fall
• Prior studies show gaps in patient awareness and health provider
discussions regarding the importance and use of Vitamin D
• Objective: To investigate vitamin D awareness and use among
community living adults
•
Methods
– A survey questionnaire was distributed to participants from
January to April 2013
– Setting: Two outpatient physician practices and four senior
community events.
– The 8 question survey was used to collect data on:
-Participant demographics
-Participant’s awareness and knowledge about source of
vitamin D
-Discussions with healthcare providers
-The use of Vitamin D supplements
-The dose of vitamin D supplements
Results
• Participant Demographics
• 232 total participants
• 86 from outpatient office
settings
• 146 from senior community
events
• Mean age was 64, with an age
range of 26-90
• 46% were Caucasian
• 80% were female
Results (cont)
• 98% heard of Vitamin D
• 56% had discussed Vitamin D
with their healthcare provider
• 47% were taking Vitamin D
supplements
• Of these, 63% took 800 or
1,000 international units daily
• 93% included Vitamin D rich
foods into their daily diet
• 60% considered sun exposure
a source of vitamin D
• 38% suggested PCP-patient
discussion to promote Vitamin
D awareness
CONCLUSION
• Although most survey participants were aware of Vitamin
D about ½ had discussed Vitamin D with their healthcare
provider and were taking supplementation
• Collaboration between healthcare providers and
community members is needed to promote Vitamin D
discussions at office visits
• Simple interventions such as providing education about
vitamin D at office visits may prevent deficiency related
illness and reduce the associated burden of disease
2010 AGS/BGS Clinical Practice Guideline: Prevention of
Falls in Older Persons
Awareness of vitamin D deficiency among at-risk patients BMC
Research Notes 2012, 5:17