Journal of Women Health

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite abundant sunlight in many regions of India, vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy remains highly prevalent and is associated with major adverse outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, low birth weight, and long-term developmental complications in offspring.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women attending a tertiary care teaching hospital and to analyse its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, clinical parameters, lifestyle factors, and compliance with supplementation protocols. A further objective was to identify independent risk factors through multivariate analysis and generate evidence-based recommendations for improved screening and management.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 systematically selected pregnant women in their third trimester (≥36 weeks) attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department from October 2022 to March 2024. Data were collected using validated questionnaires capturing demographics, dietary habits, lifestyle practices, supplementation compliance, and clinical information. Skin pigmentation was assessed using the Fitzpatrick Scale. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using high-precision electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Vitamin D status was classified as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–29 ng/mL), or sufficient (≥30 ng/mL). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0 with appropriate univariate and multivariate methods, including logistic regression.

Results: The study demonstrated an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, affecting 76.1% (n=175) of pregnant women. An additional 21.7% (n=50) had insufficient levels, while only 2.2% (n=5) showed adequate vitamin D status.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in this region, underscoring the urgent need for improved screening, counselling, supplementation compliance, and tailored public health strategies.

Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency; Pregnancy; Maternal Nutrition; Prevalence; 25-Hydroxyvitamin D; Sunlight Exposure; Skin Pigmentation; North Coastal AP in South India; Supplementation; Prenatal Care; Public Health; Maternal Health; Fetal Development; Nutritional Assessment; Cross-sectional Study; Risk Factors; Health Policy; Prevention Strategies; Clinical Guidelines; Population Health