Vitamin D Knowledge and Sunlight Attitudes in Hong Kong Women
Author Information
Author(s): Kung Annie WC, Lee Ka-Kui
Primary Institution: The University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
What are the attitudes and knowledge about vitamin D and sunlight among middle-aged and elderly Chinese women in Hong Kong?
Conclusion
The survey revealed significant ignorance about the role of sunlight in vitamin D production and a general aversion to sun exposure among the participants.
Supporting Evidence
- 62.3% of respondents did not like going in the sun.
- 66.7% spent an average of 6–10 hours indoors during weekdays.
- 58% thought they had enough exposure to sunlight.
- Only 32.2% could correctly state what vitamin D does.
- 72.6% had heard of vitamin D, but knowledge about its sources was low.
Takeaway
Many older women in Hong Kong don't like being in the sun and don't know much about how sunlight helps their bodies make vitamin D.
Methodology
Telephone interviews were conducted using random sampling and a structured questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and limited demographic information.
Limitations
The response rate was modest at 54%, and reasons for sunlight avoidance were not investigated.
Participant Demographics
Chinese middle-aged and elderly women aged 50 years and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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