Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Sbea, Libya

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to various negative health outcomes for mothers, neonates, and children. Sun exposure behaviors and dietary habits are known to impact vitamin D status. However, there is limited observational data on these behaviors among pregnant women in Sbia town. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in a developed region of Libya and examine the association between sun exposure behaviors and serum vitamin D levels. A total of 144 healthy pregnant women participated in the study, completing a face-to-face questionnaire on knowledge about vitamin D and sunlight exposure behaviors. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. The results showed that 34% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL), with 43.8% classified as severely deficient (25(OH)D < 10 ng/mL). Women with shorter durations of sun exposure had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels compared to those with longer durations (15 mins: 13.2 ± 6.9 ng/mL vs. 1 hr: 19.2 ± 11 ng/mL; P = 0.03). Additionally, women who covered most of their bodies except for their face and hands had lower 25(OH)D concentrations (13.2 ± 11.3 ng/mL) compared to those who exposed their face, arms, and legs to sunlight (27.6 ± 8.9 ng/mL; P = 0.01). These findings highlight the persistence of maternal vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency despite a sunny environment in a developed region of Libya.