Pregnancy-specific association of vitamin D deficiency and bacterial vaginosis

Katherine J. Hensel, Tara M. Randis, Shari E. Gelber, Adam J. Ratner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Recent data suggest vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy. We hypothesized that VDD is a risk factor for BV in nonpregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses stratified by pregnancy. RESULTS: VDD was associated with BV only in pregnant women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.137.28). Among nonpregnant women, douching (AOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.252.37), smoking (AOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.232.24), and black race (AOR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.673.47) were associated with BV; oral contraceptive use was inversely associated with BV (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.400.90). VDD moderated the association between smoking and BV in nonpregnant women. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for BV differ by pregnancy status. VDD was a modifiable risk factor for BV among pregnant women; evaluation of vitamin D supplementation for prevention or adjunct therapy of BV in pregnancy is warranted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)41.e1-41.e9
JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume204
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
  • bacterial vaginosis
  • pregnancy
  • smoking
  • vitamin D

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