Background
Hypovitaminosis D levels have been implicated in a wide array of psychiatric disorders. Yet, the relationship between vitamin D levels and antenatal psychiatric disturbances is ambiguous. This study aimed to identify the psychosocial and clinical factors associated with antenatal hypovitaminosis D.
Patients and Methods
A total of 169 pregnant women were recruited from Zagazig University Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient clinics, Egypt, where they received antenatal care. The psychometric measures included Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Zagazig Depression Scale, Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders for assessment of associated anxiety and depressive symptoms, current suicide ideation and psychiatric disorders, respectively. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using the enzyme-linked fluorescent assay technique.
Results
Around 57% of women had antenatal hypovitaminosis D. Those with hypovitaminosis D were likely to be of lower income (P= 0.023), exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) (P= 0.009), and experienced higher levels of anxiety (P= 0.006). Logistic regression confirmed the association between hypovitaminosis D and history of IPV exposure (odds ratio= 2.0, 95% confidence interval= 1.1, 3.9), and comorbid anxiety symptoms (odds ratio= 2.4, 95% confidence interval= 1.0, 6.2). Predictors of IPV exposure in women with antenatal hypovitaminosis D were lower education (P= 0.045), unplanned pregnancy (P= 0.016), anxiety symptoms (P= 0.036), and current suicide ideation (P< 0.001).
Conclusions
Antenatal hypovitaminosis D was prevalent among pregnant women. It would predict IPV exposure and comorbid anxiety symptoms. Women, as part of their antenatal assessment, should be regularly screened for vitamin D insufficiency, IPV exposure, and associated affective symptoms.