ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AMONG GEORGIAN PARENTS ABOUT VITAMIN D INFLUENCE ON CHILD'S HEALTH. QUESTIONNAIRE...

The present study was aimed to determine the parents' knowledge level about vit D importance for children normal health state, functions of vit D, sources, recommended duration of supplementation or treatment.The questionnaire was utilized as cross-sectional survey to determine the awareness of parents about vit D influence and importance for child health. The questionnaire was designed by the author. The survey questions covered the topics of parents'/caregivers' information needs; understanding of importance of vit D supplementation, causes of vit D deficiency, duration of supplementation, importance of screening adolescent girls for vit D deficiency. The survey was administered to parents/ caregivers of children of age from 1 to 15 years old living in Tbilisi and different regions of Georgia. The data were analyzed using Excel.A total 850 individuals participated in the study. Most of them 88,3% believed vit D to be important for health of a child, but could not explain why. 74% of respondents could identify oily fish or eggs as main source of vit D. However, 46% believed dairy products to be a good dietary source of vitamin D. More than 59% of participants supported their children by vit D drops up to age of 1 year, 40% by themselves decide to give it only 1-2-months. Only 12% of mothers continue to support her child by vit D till 24 months and more. About the importance for vit D deficiency prevention among adolescent girls, as for future mothers, 85,3 % of participants answered they have no information about this. According to received results, the parental awareness and level of knowledge about vit D importance for child normal growth and health is poor.Sothere is a need for increased levels of parental education to ensure children have a better chance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.