Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in Southeast Asia represents public health crisis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among pregnant women in Southeast Asia is a pressing public health issue with far-reaching implications for maternal and fetal health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of VDD among pregnant women in Southeast Asia represents public health crisis. Methods: A meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of VDD in Southeast Asian pregnant women. The search encompassed articles published in PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCO from January 2010 to December 2023. The prevalence rate is determined by dividing the total count of pregnant women with recorded vitamin D levels by the number of those found to be deficient in vitamin D. For statistical analysis, the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was utilized, and the 95% CI was computed using the Clopper-Pearson method. Results: The prevalence of VDD among pregnant women in Southeast Asia was 60% (95% CI, 38%–82%; p < 0.001; I2, 99.8%), while vitamin D insufficiency was found in 25% (17%–32%; p < 0.001; I2, 95.2%), and hypovitaminosis D was present in 85% (74%–95%; p < 0.001; I2, 99.4%). The mean serum vitamin D level was 42.48 nmol/L (32.40 nmol/L - 52.57 nmol/L; p < 0.001; I2, 99.5%). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis highlights a significant public health crisis regarding VDD among pregnant women in Southeast Asia. Public health strategies should prioritize efforts to raise awareness, promote sun exposure, and provide supplementation to ensure adequate vitamin D levels among pregnant women in Southeast Asia.

Keywords

• Pregnant women
• Prevalence
• Southeast Asia
• Vitamin D deficiency