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[The attitude of Dutch women of Turkish ancestry towards measures for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency; the results of focus group interviews].

OBJECTIVE
To obtain insight into the attitude of Dutch women of Turkish ancestry towards various possible measures for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.


DESIGN
Qualitative, focus group interviews.


METHOD
Four focus group meetings of 4-13 women of Turkish ancestry (mean age: 31.8-47.1 years) were held in community centres in Amsterdam. Discussions were held with the aid of an interpreter in response to questions about exposure to sunlight, vitamin D supplements, fortification of foods with vitamin D, and the consumption of vitamin D rich foods. The discussions were recorded, translated, and transcribed, and the recurring themes were analysed.


RESULTS
Participants had a strong preference for vitamins from 'natural sources' as compared with vitamin supplements. Concerns about weight gain and overdose as a result of vitamin supplement use were expressed frequently. Most women only found the use of vitamin D supplements acceptable if prescribed by a physician. For religious/cultural reasons, many women were not willing to alter their dress to expose more skin to sunlight, or were only willing to do so in the strict absence of men that are not members of the family. Participants were reluctant to consume vitamin D-fortified margarine products because of concern about the possible presence of pork fat and the fear that consumption of these products would induce weight gain.


CONCLUSION
Among Dutch women of Turkish ancestry, cultural and religious beliefs and concern about the possible side effects can impede the acceptance of advice on how to combat vitamin D deficiency. This should be taken into consideration when giving information on the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.