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2026, Vol: 10, Issue: 7
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Original Article
Online Published: 05 Jun 2026
 


Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study

Hany El Sayed, Ethar Yapah, Lujain Adel, Sheikhah Omar, Atheer Anwar, Amnah Altaf.


Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to thoroughly assess a broad sample of adult respondents’ levels of awareness, knowledge, and preventive measures about vitamin B12.
Methods: A standardized questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 226 individuals. Demographic traits, general knowledge of vitamin B12, knowledge of the symptoms and complications of deficiencies, awareness of dietary sources, screening procedures (hemoglobin and vitamin B12 levels), comprehension of normal reference ranges, and interest in educational interventions were all evaluated by the instrument.
Results: Although there was a high general awareness of vitamin B12 (85.84%), there was a significantly lower level of particular functional knowledge. Only 27.88% of participants were aware of the typical reference range for vitamin B12 content, and only 44.69% of individuals were able to properly identify food sources. Just 48.67% had particular vitamin B12 testing, even though 64.16% had undergone hemoglobin testing. Interestingly, 91.59% of participants said they would be very interested in learning more about this subject.
Conclusion: There was a clear “awareness-knowledge gap” whereby widespread awareness of vitamin B12 does not correspond to a practical grasp of dietary needs or health maintenance techniques. A willing audience for focused public health initiatives was indicated by the significant demand for instructional materials.

Key words: Vitamin B12, cobalamin deficiency, health literacy, dietary awareness, screening practices, public health education


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Sayed HE, Yapah E, Adel L, Omar S, Anwar A, Altaf A. Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. IJMDC. 2026; 10(7): 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670

Web Style

Sayed HE, Yapah E, Adel L, Omar S, Anwar A, Altaf A. Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=317751 [Access: July 08, 2026]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Sayed HE, Yapah E, Adel L, Omar S, Anwar A, Altaf A. Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. IJMDC. 2026; 10(7): 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Sayed HE, Yapah E, Adel L, Omar S, Anwar A, Altaf A. Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. IJMDC. (2026), [cited July 08, 2026]; 10(7): 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670


Harvard Style

Sayed, H. E., Yapah, . E., Adel, . L., Omar, . S., Anwar, . A. & Altaf, . A. (2026) Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. IJMDC, 10 (7), 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670


Turabian Style

Sayed, Hany El, Ethar Yapah, Lujain Adel, Sheikhah Omar, Atheer Anwar, and Amnah Altaf. 2026. Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 10 (7), 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670


Chicago Style

Sayed, Hany El, Ethar Yapah, Lujain Adel, Sheikhah Omar, Atheer Anwar, and Amnah Altaf. "Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 10 (2026), 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Sayed, Hany El, Ethar Yapah, Lujain Adel, Sheikhah Omar, Atheer Anwar, and Amnah Altaf. "Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 10.7 (2026), 1860-1866. Print. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Sayed, H. E., Yapah, . E., Adel, . L., Omar, . S., Anwar, . A. & Altaf, . A. (2026) Assessing knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding vitamin B12 deficiency: a cross-sectional survey study. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 10 (7), 1860-1866. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1776428670




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    International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries is a peer-reviewed, open-access international medical journal. Journal Title Internat ... Read more.



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