Impact of health educational program about vitamin D on knowledge and perception of students in Jouf University

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a major silent problem worldwide and especially in Saudi Arabia. It is associated with several diseases, including bone diseases, Alzheimer's disease, cancers, heart disease, and other health problems. The presence of sufficient knowledge about this problem may lead to a decrease in its prevalence. This study aimed to assess and improve university students' knowledge and perception of vitamin D This Quiz experimental research design was conducted on the main campus of female students at Jouf University from January 2020 to March 2020. A total of 50 students from the preparatory level were sharing in our study according to their agreement. Socio-demographic information and assessment of students' knowledge & perception toward vitamin D were collected through pretest questioner sheets, they divided into (5 groups) for taking health education sessions then posttest applied for showing participants' improvement. Our study results indicated that students of Jouf university in preparatory level have low knowledge about vitamin D deficiency; risk people, causes, symptom, and complications (32%, 30%, 42%, and 20% respectively), safe dosage of the supplement, and complications of excess (98% and 88% respectively). While after participation in our health education program their knowledge and perception about vitamin D were improved with highly significant differences (P -value <= 0.05). The present education program was successful and fulfilling the aim of the study. We recommended additional programs in a different setting in the community for more benefit and for decreasing the hazards of Vitamin D deficiency.