Background Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” supports bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis in the body. Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health issue, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to vitamin D among university students and employees at Sulaimani Polytechnic University. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted at Sulaimani Polytechnic University from April to August 2020. A total of 480 participants aged 18–57 years were recruited using a multistage sampling approach with random departmental selection, and participation was voluntary. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics and items assessing KAP related to vitamin D. KAP scores were categorized as poor, fair, or good. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 26. Descriptive statistics were provided, and associations between KAP and demographic variables were examined using the chi‐square test; p ‐values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The mean knowledge score was high (88.86 ± 26.66), whereas attitude (37.30 ± 14.65) and practice (28.51 ± 16.26) scores were comparatively low. Knowledge and attitude differed significantly across educational stages ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively). Correlation analysis showed positive associations between knowledge and attitude ( r = 0.296, p < 0.01) and between attitude and practice ( r = 0.306, p < 0.01), while knowledge was not associated with practice ( r = 0.001, p = 0.9). In multivariable regression analysis, attitude ( β = 0.247, p < 0.001) and department affiliation ( β = 0.348, p < 0.001) independently predicted practice scores, explaining 18.6% of the variance ( R 2 = 0.186). Conclusions Overall, knowledge regarding vitamin D was generally adequate. In contrast, attitudes and practices remained suboptimal, indicating that knowledge does not necessarily translate into healthy behaviors. Strategies should aim to promote behavioral change and improve practical behaviors to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
Niaz Mustafa Kamal (Thu,) studied this question.