Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of nursing interventions and sunlight exposure to reach optimum vitamin D levels by individuals living in nursing homes on vitamin D levels.

Material Method: In the first stage of this two-stage randomized-controlled experimental study with pretest-posttest design conducted in June - August 2018 period in the nursing home in Central Town of Tokat Province, the questionnaire prepared by the researcher, standardized mini mental test, Fitzpatrick skin typing questionnaire and Katz Index of activities of daily living were applied. Intervention (n=20) and control (n=20) groups were established with individuals using simple random method according to age, gender, skin type and vitamin D level. In the second stage, 30-35% of the body surface area of individuals in the intervention group was exposed to sunlight five days a week in July. For the participants in the control group, sunbathing was not offered. 25(OH)D, calcium, parathormone, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels of all individuals were measured in blood samples taken at the beginning and end of the study. Two-way mixed ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• individuals (25 women and 41 men) who lived in nursing home during June 27, 2018 and August 01, 2018 period
• 60 years and older
• able to perform their daily life activities independently
• agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• malignancies
• advanced liver and kidney failure
• history of gastric-bowel operation
• skin disease that could prevent sun exposure
• hyperparathyroidism
• malabsorption
• use of drugs that affect the levels of vitamin D, calcium, PTH and phosphorus and albumin