Abstract
COVID-19 has caused devastation globally mostly affecting countries in
colder climates. Therefore, vitamin D is thought to be one of the
contributing factors towards causation and severity. Many guidelines do
not recommend vitamin D for treatment or prevention. Hence, we set out
to do a global survey to understand the use and prescribing habits of
vitamin D amongst clinicians. Methods: Online anonymous questionnaire
was sent to clinicians enquiring in their prescribing habits of vitamin
D and personal use of vitamin D. Results: 4,440 practicing clinicians
were included in the analysis with majority of those that responded were
from Asia followed by Europe. 82.9% prescribed vitamin D before
COVID-19, more commonly amongst general practitioners (GPs) and Asian
clinicians more likely to prescribe vitamin D (p<0.005). GPs
were also more likely to prescribe vitamin D prophylactically to prevent
COVID-19 (OR 1.47, p<0.005). Majority would also prescribe
vitamin D to treat COVID-19 (72.5%; OR:1.81, p<0.005), as
well as Asian clinicians (OR 4.57, p<0.005). 80.4% of
respondents were taking vitamin D, more so in the 45-54 and 65-74 age
groups (OR2.15 and 2.40, respectively), many of whom did so before
COVID-19 (72.1%). Conclusion: Clinicians from different countries have
acknowledged the role of vitamin D during the COVID-19 pandemic. This
survey has shown that many clinicians would prescribe vitamin D for the
prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Majority also would recommend
measuring vitamin D levels but not so in patients with COVID-19.