(P02-058-25) High Prevalence and Urban-Rural Differences in Vitamin D Deficiency Among Women of Reproductive Age and Children 6–59 Months in Pakistan: Evidence From a National Survey

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its urban-rural disparities among women of reproductive age and children aged 6-59 months in Pakistan, highlighting the severity and potential contributing factors to inform public health strategies.

Methods: Data from the Pakistan National Nutrition Survey were analyzed. Blood samples were collected from 25,593 women of reproductive age and 23,780 children aged 6–59 months from selected households to assess vitamin D status. Venous blood samples were obtained by trained phlebotomists following WHO standards for phlebotomy and safe injection practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated and reported as mean (±SD), median, ranges, and frequencies, as appropriate. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19.

Results: The majority of women of reproductive age (80%) in Pakistan were deficient in vitamin D ( < 20.0 ng/mL), with 26% exhibiting severe deficiency ( < 8.0 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in urban areas (84%) compared to rural areas (77%). Severe deficiency was also higher in urban areas (32%) than in rural areas (21%), potentially due to differences in lifestyle and sunlight exposure. Similarly, vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among children aged 6–59 months, with 63% having levels < 20.0 ng/mL and 13% showing severe deficiency ( < 8.0 ng/mL). The prevalence was slightly higher among girls (63%) than boys (62%), with severe deficiency also higher in girls (13.5%) than boys (12.9%). Urban children had higher rates of deficiency (66%) than rural children (61%), with severe deficiency also more common in urban areas (15%) than in rural areas (12%).

Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is alarmingly high among women of reproductive age and children aged 6–59 months in Pakistan, with particularly concerning rates of severe deficiency. These findings highlight the urgent need for public health interventions to raise awareness about vitamin D and promote supplementation, especially in urban areas where deficiency rates are higher.

Funding Sources: None