title: The ABC of vitamin D: a qualitative study of the knowledge and attitudes regarding vitamin D deficiency amongst selected population groups.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In Australia, vitamin D supply in food is limited, and sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. However skin cancer risk is high, and the need to gain some sun exposure for adequate vitamin D is challenging public health messages to use protection in the sun. The complex vitamin D public health message may be confusing the public and, in particular, those at highest risk for vitamin D deficiency. This study explored vitamin D and sun exposure attitudes, knowledge and practices of some groups considered at risk of vitamin D deficiency and those delivering healthy sun exposure messages to children.
  
  
  METHODS
  52 adults participated in six focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results corroborated with previous research showing low levels of vitamin D knowledge. Individual and environmental barriers to receiving adequate sun exposure were also identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The message advocating balanced sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D needs to be made clearer and be more effectively communicated. Findings provide insights to aid development of appropriate public health messages for safe sun exposure and vitamin D, especially for vulnerable groups.
authors.affiliation: Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW, Australia. Billie.bonevski@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Billie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bonevski
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: Irena
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brozek
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D