“Test me and treat me”—attitudes to vitamin D deficiency and supplementation: a qualitative study

摘要: Objective Lay interest in vitamin D and the potential benefits of supplementation is considerable, but little information exists concerning lay knowledge, beliefs attitudes towards to inform public health initiatives professional guidance. Design Qualitative focus group study. Participants 58 adults capturing diversity disease status, gender, age ethnicity. Setting A large general practice east London. Results Many respondents lacked knowledge about D, including dietary sources government recommendations. Most were positive sun exposure, confused by ambiguous messages risks sunshine. Medicalised views prominent, notably from those favour supplementation, who talked “doses”, “side effects” “regular testing.” Fortification food with was controversial, opposing utilitarian (better overall for majority) libertarian (freedom choose) views. Conclusions Knowledge limited. Clearer are needed exposure. Testing professionals, while potentially useful some high-risk groups, have contributed a medicalised view D. Health policy should address public9s need clear on effects take account divergent fortification. Professional guidance testing counter inappropriate medicalisation.