Relationship between Hypovitaminosis D and Uterine Leiomyomas among women of reproductive age attending selected Hospitals, Uganda
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Date
2023-03
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Background: Uterine leiomyoma, is a common benign neoplasm among women of reproductive age with a potential of causing significant health complications and financial burdens in severe cases. Recent research suggests a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and uterine leiomyoma development; however, this relationship has not been established in the Ugandan population. For this reason, there is no individualized or public health interventions targeting this modifiable risk factor. Aim: To determine the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and uterine leiomyoma. Methods and material: A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted at Jinja, Lira and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospitals. 246 non-pregnant women of reproductive age were included in the study. Questionnaires were administered to the participants, their serum vitamin D analysed and a transabdominal pelvic scan done. Results: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among partipants was high at 54.1%. There was no significant difference in the proportions of leiomyoma among those with and without hypovitaminosis D (χ2=0.503, p= 0.478 >0.05). The mean serum vitamin D level was lower in individuals with uterine leiomyomas compared to those without (19.954 ± 9.77 versus 21.552 ± 9.54 [95% CI: -0.04 to 4.24, p=0.235]). A 22% increased likelihood of occurrence of uterine leiomyoma in the presence of hypovitaminosis D was observed but the relationship was not statistically significant (Phi (φ) = 0.045 p=0.478>0.05). There was a weak negative correlation observed between serum vitamin D levels and leiomyoma site number (r= -0.2482, p=0.0342<0.05). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant relationship between hypovitaminosis D and uterine leiomyomas despite a weak negative correlation between vitamin D levels and leiomyoma site number which was statistically significant. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D underscores the need for health education and public health measures to manage suboptimal status in order to prevent vitamin D deficiency-related morbidity among women of reproductive age. Further research is needed to investigate the potential association between hypovitaminosis D and uterine leiomyoma, particularly with regards to increased site number, among the African population.