Factors which influence Vitamin D supplement use in pregnancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A descriptive study exploring factors which influence women’s adherence to recommended Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy
IRAS ID
214213
Contact name
Janet Hirst
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 12 days
Research summary
Since 2012 the Department of Health have advised that all pregnant women in the UK should take a daily supplement of Vitamin D to promote best health for the mother and baby. Currently the level of uptake and adherence to this recommendation in pregnant women is unclear. Finding out factors which influence pregnant women’s motivation to commence and continue Vitamin D supplementation is important, so that health education can be tailored to enable women to make an informed choice regarding supplement use, which in turn could potentially increase uptake.\n\nWhilst some evidence exists assessing uptake of Vitamin D and influencing factors in certain groups of pregnant women provided with supplements, no studies have been conducted since 2012 which investigate factors influencing Vitamin D supplement use in the general UK population of pregnant women who are largely expected to self-supply Vitamin D supplements.\n\nThis descriptive survey aims to assess what factors influence uptake of and adherence to Vitamin D supplements in pregnant women. This study will purposively sample antenatal clinics in 2 NHS Trusts, to obtain maximum variation in the participant sample, and to explore where possible previously identified socio-demographic factors, and other factors, associated with Vitamin D supplement use in UK pregnant women. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Secondary to the main research aim, some insight will also be obtained into uptake and patterns of adherence in UK women’s use of Vitamin D supplementation.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
17/NS/0015
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion