Gharib, D., Barrimah, E., Tawfik, M., Soliman, H. (2023). Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Women. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26(7), 19-27. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.321617
Dina S. Gharib; Essam E. Barrimah; Mirella Y. Tawfik; Hanan H. Soliman. "Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Women". Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26, 7, 2023, 19-27. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.321617
Gharib, D., Barrimah, E., Tawfik, M., Soliman, H. (2023). 'Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Women', Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26(7), pp. 19-27. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.321617
Gharib, D., Barrimah, E., Tawfik, M., Soliman, H. Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Women. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 2023; 26(7): 19-27. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.321617
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Pregnant Women
Department of Public Health, Preventive, and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: There is little data on vitamin D levels and related risk factors in pregnant women in low and middle-income countries, despite the fact that optimal vitamin D status during pregnancy is crucial for maternal health and to prevent unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Aim: To describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in Ismailia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two primary health care units of Ismailia (Elshohadaa and Elsalam primary health care) on 319 pregnant women. Both PHC units were selected for having a regular number of attending pregnant women monthly and covering the most crowded districts in Ismailia city which allowed for recruiting participants. Convenience samples were taken from both units. All women were subjected to a detailed history, examination, dietary description, and vitamin D level assessment. Results: The mean age of the study group was 30.3±5.6 years. More than half of them were multipara 3(56.8%). About 20(18%) were illiterate, 91(82%) were not working, while 86(77.5%) of their husband were employed. 66(59.4%) were overweight in the first trimester and 14(12.7%) were obese. Mean vitamin D intake was (973.1±403.6 IU per week) and 62(55.9%) didn`t take vitamin D supplementation. Among pregnant women with abnormal vitamin D levels (34.8%), 15.4% had vitamin D insufficiency and 19.4% had vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Pregnant women in Ismailia City have a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. Among pregnant women in this study, about one-third of them with abnormal vitamin D levels.