DETERMINANTS AND PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN: FINDINGS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Vitamin B12 deficiency remains a major public health concern among pregnant women due to its potential adverse effects on both maternal health and fetal development. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency among pregnant women attending Swat Medical College and its affiliated teaching hospitals in Saidu Sharif, Swat, between January 2022 and June 2024. A total of 500 participants were selected using probability sampling techniques. Serum Vitamin B12 levels were measured through laboratory assessments, while demographic, dietary, and socioeconomic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were employed to identify factors significantly associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency.

The findings revealed a high prevalence of deficiency, with approximately 45% of participants having serum Vitamin B12 levels below the recommended threshold. Major risk factors included low consumption of animal-derived foods, lower socioeconomic status, and limited awareness regarding nutritional health. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions—such as nutritional counseling, supplementation programs, and educational initiatives—to enhance awareness of Vitamin B12’s importance during pregnancy. Implementing such measures could substantially improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained regions like Swat.