Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
PhD Student of Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2
PhD in Reproductive Health, Clinical Research Development Center, Motazedi Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
3
PhD in Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4
M.Sc. of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5
M.Sc. student of Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Health‚ Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
7
Professor, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran,Iran
10.22038/ijogi.2025.90090.6512
Abstract
Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of BV, while others have found no association. This systematic review aimed to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women.
Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched using the keywords "pregnancy", "vitamin D", and "bacterial vaginosis" without time restrictions up to March 12, 2025. Google search engine was also reviewed. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata software. Study heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index and Cochran’s Q test, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s and Begg’s tests.
Results: Of the initial 224 studies, 15 studies with 4963 participants were included in the review. The association between vitamin D levels and bacterial vaginosis, based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR=0.98) (95% CI: 0.91–1.05), indicated no statistically significant relationship. Thus, vitamin D deficiency was neither associated with increased nor decreased risk of BV.
Conclusion: Serum vitamin D levels showed no statistically significant association with bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. It appears that this relationship is influenced by multiple intervening factors, and vitamin D alone cannot be considered an independent risk factor.
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