Abstract
Public and medical interest in vitamin D has been on the rise as studies continue to release the possible benefits of vitamin D beyond bone health. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global problem. It affects nearly every population despite being available through sunshine, foods, and supplements. Vitamin D status becomes increasingly important in postmenopausal women as estrogen, an essential hormone in maintaining bone health, rapidly declines. This research project examined the current knowledge and perception of vitamin D deficiency among this high-risk population of postmenopausal women. The study’s design was descriptive and utilized surveys to collect data; frequencies were used for analysis. A convenience sample of postmenopausal women in two Midwest healthcare clinics including South Dakota and Iowa were included in the study. The sample inclusion criterion was minimal and consisted of being a postmenopausal female patient seen in either clinic. Two data sets were formed: Data Set A included 11 participants that met original inclusion and exclusion criteria and Data Set B was calculated using all postmenopausal participants regardless of exclusion criteria. Data Set A revealed 91% of patients surveyed were interested in learning more about vitamin D, but only 27.3% had discussed vitamin D with their healthcare provider, this was mirrored in Data Set B with 75% and 25% respectively. The percentage of patients that correctly identified vitamin D as beneficial in preventing bone loss was 26.6% higher than the percentage of patients currently taking a vitamin D supplement. All results were found to be directionally proportional between the two data sets and may serve as a basis for future studies aimed at promoting, maintaining, or improving women’s health through sufficient vitamin D levels.