• Hurmuzlu KozlerSelenS0000-0001-6533-2944Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey. and Tulin R Saylı.
• Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
• Curr Med Res Opin. 2022 Mar 1; 38 (3): 435-441.

ObjectivesTo determine vitamin D supplementation frequency among children aged 1-24 months, factors that influence adherence, and reasons for discontinuation of initiated vitamin D.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to the mothers via face-to-face interview of 560 children aged from 1 to 24 months admitted to outpatient clinics from June to December 2017.ResultsA total of 351 children were administered vitamin D, and the rate of supplementation in the first year of life was 83%, while it was only 28% between 13 and 24 months. The rate of vitamin D supplementation was higher among exclusively formula-fed children (p < .05). When the data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, only visit family physicians were statistically significant independent variable in increasing supplementation (p < .05). Compared with family refusal, the rate of discontinuation of vitamin D by the healthcare providers was higher after the first year of life (p < .05). The rate of vitamin D discontinuation by healthcare providers, especially by nurses who considered the duration of supplementation adequate, was statistically significantly higher when compared with the fontanel closure and other independent variables (p < .05).ConclusionThe rate of vitamin D supplementation was higher among families who visited family physicians, which suggests the importance of well-baby visits. Since vitamin D supplementation was less common among exclusively breastfed children, mothers should be educated. Healthcare professionals need further education about the importance of vitamin D supplementation and indications for discontinuation.

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