Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Maternal Vitamin D Status in Pregnancy
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Abstract
Background: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common in South Asia and may be influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors. Understanding these determinants is essential for targeted preventive strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics associated with maternal vitamin D status among pregnant women delivering at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2023 to December 2024. Sixty pregnant women delivering term neonates were included. Maternal age, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, pre-pregnancy body mass index and parity were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Mean maternal vitamin D level was 12.50 ± 4.73 ng/ml in one group and 16.15 ± 5.01 ng/ml in the other, with an overall high prevalence of deficiency. Maternal age differed significantly between groups (p=0.04). Socioeconomic status showed a statistically significant association (p=0.02). Educational status, occupational profile, body mass index and parity did not demonstrate significant differences.
Conclusion: Maternal vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent and appeared to be influenced by socioeconomic context within this cohort. Strengthening antenatal nutritional assessment and targeted interventions may help address micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy.