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International Journal of Medicine Sciences

Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Prevalence and management of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in India: A physician survey

Author(s):

Dr. Sangita Kumari and Dr. Ashwini S Narkhede

Abstract:

Background: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy has important maternal and foetal implications. 
Aim: This survey was conducted to understand gynaecologists’ perspectives on the prevalence of and management practices for vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in India. 
Methods: This was a questionnaire-based survey conducted across India between October 2021 and December 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions related to the prevalence and management practices related to vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women.
Results: In total, 39 gynaecologists participated in the study. Vitamin D was recommended to women during pre-conceptual counselling by 82.1% of the gynaecologists. One-third (33.4%) gynaecologists observed that >75% of pregnant women in their clinical practice had vitamin D deficiency, with the women aged >30 years being most likely to have this deficiency. Low back pain and vague body pain were the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency observed among pregnant women. Daily 2000 IU as continuous therapy was the most common regimen of vitamin D supplementation preferred by the participating gynaecologists (64.1%), followed by weekly 60,000 IU with monthly maintenance by 10 (25.6%) gynaecologists. Two-third gynaecologists 25 (64.1%) shared that <25% of pregnant women are aware about vitamin D deficiency and its impact. Most gynaecologists (97.4%) opined that various international guideline recommendations for vitamin D supplementation were relevant to Indian clinical practice. Only about 2/3rd (66.7%) were aware about the impact of maternal Vitamin D status on the health and development of the baby. Nanoformulations of vitamin D were thought to have better efficacy and compliance to treatment compared with conventional formulations by most gynaecologists. Finally, majority of the participating gynaecologists expressed a desire to have cross-specialty meetings involving endocrinologists, orthopaedic specialists, and gynaecologists to obtain a comprehensive perspective on the management of vitamin D deficiency in Indian clinical practice.
Conclusion: This survey provided valuable insights from gynaecologists in terms of their understanding of the prevalence and management of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in India.
 

Pages: 14-20  |  297 Views  108 Downloads

How to cite this article:
Dr. Sangita Kumari and Dr. Ashwini S Narkhede. Prevalence and management of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in India: A physician survey. Int. J. Med. Sci. 2023;5(1):14-20. DOI: 10.33545/26648881.2023.v5.i1a.34