Attitudes towards vitamin D supplementation in Turkish women of childbearing age living in Denmark: a qualitative study

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing several chronic diseases. Sufficient vitamin D levels in reproductive age women are important not only for women’s but also for their offspring’s health. However, vitamin D deficiency in non-western ethnic minorities in Denmark is prevalent, despite specific national recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
This study aimed to explore attitudes towards vitamin D supplementation in Turkish women of childbearing age living in Denmark.
A qualitative interview study was conducted. Women were recruited using the personal network of one of the authors. Interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The interview guide was inspired by the Knowledge –Attitudes - Behaviors model.
Nine telephone interviews, lasting about half an hour, were conducted. Age of the women varied from 22 to 37 years; all reported being vitamin D deficient; vitamin D status was obtained from their general practitioners. The analysis revealed two main themes: (1) vitamin D supplements were perceived as medication, where the condition for which it was supposed to be used (i.e. vitamin D deficiency) had to be diagnosed and followed-up; (2) vitamin D was preferred to be received naturally, and the concrete information on what to eat and how long to be in the sun to be vitamin D sufficient was desired.
The findings suggest that Turkish women may lack trust in vitamin D supplementation. There is a need to raise women’s awareness of the benefits of vitamin D supplements, and motivate them to take these supplements regularly and confidently.