Journal Article

How should we give vitamin D supplementation? evaluation of the pediatricians’ knowledge in Turkey

Kara Elitok, Gizem, Acar, Duygu, Bulbul, Ali, Zubarioglu, Umut, Kıray Bas, Evrim, Bulbul, Lida, Uslu, Sinan

2017

Overview

Background We aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Turkish pediatricians concerning vitamin D supplement. Methods The study was planned cross-sectional to be carried out between April–May 2015 in Turkey. A questionnaire form that determined the participants’ opinions and practices concerning vitamin D supplement was completed via face-to-face interview. Results A total of 107 pediatricians (49.3%) and 110 pediatric residents (50.7%) participated in the study. Of the physicians, 85.2% recommended vitamin D supplement for all infants and children regardless of diet, 13.4% recommended for the infants which are solely breastfed. Vitamin D supplement is recommended at a dose of 400 IU/day by 88.8% of pediatricians and by 90% of pediatric residents. Of the pediatricians and pediatric residents, 72% and 68.2%, respectively commence vitamin D supplement when the newborn is 15 days old. The rates of recommending vitamin D supplement until the age of one and two years were higher among pediatricians (48.6% and 41.1%, respectively) than pediatric residents (40.9% and 32.7%, respectively). The rate of starting vitamin D supplement for fontanelle closure was significantly higher among pediatric residents (15.5%) than pediatricians (3.7%) ( p  = 0.002). It was determined that the rate of prescribing vitamin D supplement until fontanelle closure was higher among pediatric residents (18.2%) than pediatricians (0.9%). Conclusions The present study suggest that the knowledge of pediatricians about recommendation of vitamin D needs to be enhanced by education programs in addition to free vitamin D supplement provided by the Ministry of Health.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Breastfeeding & lactation / Child / Dietary supplements / Endocrinology / Hospitals / Knowledge / Maternal and Child Health / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Metabolism / Monte Carlo simulation / Mothers / Pediatrician / Pediatrics / Prevention / Questionnaires / Vitamin D / Vitamin deficiency