Evaluating knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding vitamin D in pregnant and postnatal Ghanaian women: a cross-sectional study

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BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maternal and foetal health during pregnancy and lactation. However, its deficiency remains prevalent among pregnant and post-natal women globally, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. We assessed and compared the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding vitamin D among pregnant and postnatal women in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 310 pregnant women and postnatal women from a Municipal Hospital between January to August 2024. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics of participants. Information on awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding vitamin D were also obtained. The binary logistic regression analysis model was used to determine the independent predictors of awareness and knowledge. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most pregnant women (82%) were aware of vitamin D, compared to postnatal women (71.1%). Pregnant women also showed higher knowledge levels (62% vs. 50.3%). Nearly all postnatal women (100%) and pregnant women (98.1%) had positive attitudes toward vitamin D, with comparable good practices (88.8% for pregnant, 89.9% for postnatal). Having non-formal education [(aOR = 17.639, 95% CI (3.218-96.686), p = 0.001)] or basic education [(aOR = 24.956, 95% CI (6.084-102.366), p < 0.001)] was significantly associated with increased odds of non-awareness. Moreover, having basic education [(aOR = 20.946, 95% CI (6.264-70.042), p < 0.001)] or SHS education [(aOR = 2.725, 95% CI (1.160-6.402), p = 0.021)] were the independent predictors of poor knowledge regarding vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Awareness and knowledge of vitamin D were higher among pregnant women compared to postnatal women, with educational level being a significant predictor. Future interventions should prioritize education on the importance of vitamin D, appropriate sun exposure, and dietary sources to mitigate deficiency risks, associated complications, and improve maternal health outcomes during and after pregnancy.

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