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

## TL;DR

This study in Ghana found that pregnant women had better vitamin D knowledge and awareness than postnatal women, with education level strongly influencing these factors.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into vitamin D knowledge and awareness among pregnant and postnatal women in Ghana, highlighting the role of education as a key predictor.

## Key findings

- Pregnant women showed higher awareness (82%) and knowledge (62%) of vitamin D compared to postnatal women (71.1% and 50.3%).
- Lower educational levels were strongly associated with poor vitamin D awareness and knowledge.
- Both groups had positive attitudes toward vitamin D, with similar good practices reported.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.