Abstract
In 2020, the World Health Organization identified the Global maternal mortality rate was a staggering 223 per 100,000. As a result, the United Nations created Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, with the hope of "reducing the global MMR to less than 70 per 100 000 births, with no country having a maternal mortality rate of more than twice the global average" by 2030.
Optimizing 25(OH)D serum concentrations to a minimum of 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) has been proven to be a safe, affordable, and effective way to improve perinatal outcomes such as decreasing maternal mortality as well as morbidities such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression.
This global action plan introduces a model, Target 40: Best practices for addressing vitamin D deficiency in maternal health. Regional, national and global health leaders can use this model to choose which approach is the best fit for their population. The model, synthesized from the current scientific literature, includes precision medicine and regional public health approaches for higher and lower healthcare access and resource availability areas.
Target 40: Best practices for addressing vitamin D deficiency in maternal health, an adaptation of Sanford and Aliano’s (2022) Cycle of Best Practices in Addressing Vitamin D Deficiency, includes options for 25(OH)D testing protocols, evidence-based vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy and sensible sun exposure guidelines for education based on skin type.
In addition, the presentation includes e-tools and other best practice resources for addressing vitamin D deficiency to improve patient outcomes, population health, and preserve healthcare resources.
Addressing vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is a low-hanging fruit to improve perinatal outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality. Implementation of this plan is expected to improve perinatal outcomes, as well as decrease related healthcare costs and societal burden across the globe.
Notes
This record has two files (PowerPoint Presentation with audio and PDF of the slides). To view/listen to the presentation, please download the "Presentation" file.
Sigma Membership
Xi Kappa at-Large
Lead Author Affiliation
University of Jamestown, Jamestown, North Dakota, USA
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document, Audio Recording
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Vitamin D Deficiency, Prenatal, Maternal Morbidity, Mortality, Public Health, Global Health, Precision Medicine
Recommended Citation
Sanford, Beth, "Sunlight solutions: Optimizing 25(OH)D concentrations in global maternal health strategies to improve maternal outcomes and preserve healthcare resources" (2024). Global Advocacy. 6.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/ga/2024/presentations/6
Conference Name
Sigma Virtual Mini Academy: Global Advocacy
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Virtual Event
Conference Year
2024
Creative Commons License
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Review Type
Faculty/Mentor Approved: Sigma Academy Participant Presentation
Acquisition
Self-submission
Sunlight solutions: Optimizing 25(OH)D concentrations in global maternal health strategies to improve maternal outcomes and preserve healthcare resources
Virtual Event
In 2020, the World Health Organization identified the Global maternal mortality rate was a staggering 223 per 100,000. As a result, the United Nations created Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, with the hope of "reducing the global MMR to less than 70 per 100 000 births, with no country having a maternal mortality rate of more than twice the global average" by 2030.
Optimizing 25(OH)D serum concentrations to a minimum of 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) has been proven to be a safe, affordable, and effective way to improve perinatal outcomes such as decreasing maternal mortality as well as morbidities such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression.
This global action plan introduces a model, Target 40: Best practices for addressing vitamin D deficiency in maternal health. Regional, national and global health leaders can use this model to choose which approach is the best fit for their population. The model, synthesized from the current scientific literature, includes precision medicine and regional public health approaches for higher and lower healthcare access and resource availability areas.
Target 40: Best practices for addressing vitamin D deficiency in maternal health, an adaptation of Sanford and Aliano’s (2022) Cycle of Best Practices in Addressing Vitamin D Deficiency, includes options for 25(OH)D testing protocols, evidence-based vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy and sensible sun exposure guidelines for education based on skin type.
In addition, the presentation includes e-tools and other best practice resources for addressing vitamin D deficiency to improve patient outcomes, population health, and preserve healthcare resources.
Addressing vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is a low-hanging fruit to improve perinatal outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality. Implementation of this plan is expected to improve perinatal outcomes, as well as decrease related healthcare costs and societal burden across the globe.
Description
The author was an academy scholar in the Sigma Virtual Mini Academy: Global Advocacy.