Maternal awareness regarding vitamin D supplementation and its deficiency among their infants in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry: a cross-sectional study

Harivignesh R.; Amarnath; Rajini S.

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263175

Authors

Harivignesh R. Department of Community Medicine, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India
Amarnath Department of Community Medicine, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India
Rajini S. Department of Community Medicine, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263175

Keywords:

Vitamin D, Maternal and Infant health, Postnatal mothers

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common public health problem affecting mothers and infants, even in sun-rich countries like India. Maternal awareness plays a key role in preventing deficiency and its complications in infants. This study aimed to assess maternal awareness regarding vitamin D supplementation and its deficiency among infants, and to determine the association with sociodemographic factors.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 postnatal mothers attending the Paediatrics OPD of a private medical college in Puducherry from September to December 2025. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire via an online platform. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test (p<0.05 considered significant).

Results: Among participants, 78.0% had heard about vitamin D, with doctors as the main information source (74.3%). While 47.0% recognized its role in bone health, 21.0% lacked knowledge of its benefits. Only 39.0% and 23.0% reported vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, respectively. However, 89.0% provided supplements to their infants, though only 24.0% did so regularly. Most mothers (87.0%) exposed infants to sunlight. Significant associations were observed between knowledge and age (p=0.035), education (p<0.001), residence (p<0.001), family type (p=0.007), and housing (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Despite moderate awareness, gaps in knowledge and practices persist. Strengthening maternal education and counselling is essential to improve vitamin D supplementation and reduce deficiency among infants.

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