Investigating Vitamin D-3 Deficiency among Pregnant Women at a Local Tertiary Hospital

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a pervasive issue globally, particularly among pregnant women, and is linked to various adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of Vitamin D-3 deficiency among pregnant women in a tertiary care setting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and explores the association with demographic and clinical factors. Material & Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Uttara Adhunik Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, over 12 months from January to December 2020. The study included 60 pregnant women suspected of Vitamin D deficiency based on clinical symptoms. Data on age, gravidity, parity, comorbidities, and serum Vitamin D levels were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation analysis. Results: The majority of participants were aged between 26 and 35 years (45.00%), with a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (86.67%). The common comorbidities observed were hypothyroidism (20.00%), preeclampsia (15.00%), and diabetes (13.33%). Bivariate correlation analysis showed no significant associations between Vitamin D levels and demographic factors such as age, parity, and gravidity. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women at the studied hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is associated with significant comorbidities. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to address Vitamin D deficiency in this population, including supplementation and dietary education, to improve pregnancy outcomes.