scholarly journals Factors influencing the uptake of pulse vitamin A supplementation among children in a rural area in India: a cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Vinod K. Ramani ◽  
Anand Lakshman

Background: The change in strategy of India’s National Program for the prevention and control of nutritional blindness due to Vitamin A deficiency during 2006, aims for all children aged 9 months to 5 years to receive biannual pulse dose of Vitamin A with a total nine mega doses of Vitamin A. Micronutrient initiative (MI) was providing technical assistance to the State Health department of Karnataka in implementing the new bi-annual strategy, in partnership with UNICEF during the period 2006 to 2010.Methods: During July 2006, the Investigator evaluated its coverage in Gulbarga district. This study assessed the factors influencing the uptake of pulse Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) among children from impoverished background. Using oral questionnaires, a total of 30 Parents (Mothers) of these children, 12 childcare workers (AWWs), 12 peripheral health workers (ANMs) were interviewed regarding barriers towards implementing this Program and assessment of the facilities (12 Anganwadi centres) were conducted.Results: Only 28% of the facility had some IEC display regarding VAS. 75% of ANMs were aware that either green leafy vegetables or fish or fruits are the main source of micronutrients. A similar number of ANMs knew that Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, >90% of AWW had informed parents about the program during the monthly mother meetings. <20% of parents were aware of the current pulse VAS program and a similar number were aware of the next round of supplementation.Conclusions: Regular interaction with families, monitoring the activities of field level health workers and supportive supervision will enable uptake of VAS Program. Future action should prioritize sub-district level units – blocks and villages, with higher concentration of poor households.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getnet Kassa ◽  
Addisalem Mesfin ◽  
Samson Gebremedin

Abstract Background In low- and middle-income countries routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key strategy for reducing vitamin A deficiency and mortality and morbidity of preschool children. However, in Ethiopia, there is paucity of evidence regarding the level and determinants of the uptake of the supplement. This study was designed to assess the coverage and predictors of VAS among preschool children in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2016. A total of 840 mothers/caregivers having children 6–59 months of age were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique from six rural villages implementing routine VAS program. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of uptake of VAS. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The coverage of VAS was 75.0% (95% CI: 72.1–77.9). Better knowledge of mothers about the importance of the supplement (AOR: 1.49, 1.02–2.17), obtaining VAS related information from frontline community health workers (AOR: 1.51, 1.34–2.72) than health professionals and being from households in the “rich” wealth tertile (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07–3.03) were positively associated with uptake VAS. Conclusion The VAS coverage of the area was approaching the expected national target of 80%. However, the uptake can be enhanced though awareness creation and improving socio-economic status of the community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Getnet Kassa ◽  
Addisalem Mesfin ◽  
Samson Gebremedhin

Abstract Background In low- and middle-income countries routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key strategy for reducing vitamin A deficiency and mortality and morbidity of preschool children. However, in Ethiopia, there is paucity of evidence regarding the level and determinants of the uptake of the supplement. This study was designed to assess the coverage and predictors of VAS among preschool children in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2016. A total of 840 mothers/caregivers having children 6–59 months of age were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique from six rural villages implementing routine VAS program. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Possible predictors considered in the study include distance from the nearby health facility, household socio-economic status, type of the household (model vs non-model), maternal access to health education on VAS, and knowledge on vitamin A and VAS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of uptake of VAS. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The coverage of VAS was 75.0% (95% CI: 72.1–77.9). Better knowledge of mothers about the importance of the supplement (AOR: 1.49, 1.02–2.17), obtaining VAS related information from frontline community health workers (AOR: 1.51, 1.34–2.72) than health professionals and being from households in the “rich” wealth tertile (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07–3.03) were positively associated with uptake VAS. Conclusion The VAS coverage of the area was approaching the expected national target of 80%. However, the uptake can be enhanced though awareness creation and improving socio-economic status of the community.


Author(s):  
Nidhi Sharma ◽  
Vineet Kaur Ahuja ◽  
Siriesha .

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most significant causes of preventable childhood blindness. The present study was conducted among parents of pre-school children to study knowledge and practice regarding vitamin A intake and coverage of Vitamin A supplementation among them. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in Patiala city of Punjab. Interview was conducted among parents of 275 preschool children going to various day care centers in Patiala. Results: It was found in this study that 56.7% had knowledge regarding Vitamin A supplementation. Less than half of the parents knew about vitamin A rich foodstuffs. Conclusions: From the present study we can conclude that there is a wide gap regarding knowledge and coverage about vitamin A supplementation. Doctors and books were main sources of information. 


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Hamdy ◽  
M. M. Abdel Aleem ◽  
A. A. El-Shazly

Background. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy represents a major public health problem in developing countries. Anemia is a common consequence of VAD. We aimed to measure serum retinol concentrations of a sample of poor Egyptian mothers and correlate it with their Hb% and cord Hb%. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 200 healthy mothers and their healthy full term newborns. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected for CBC and measurement of serum retinol concentrations. Results. Forty-seven mothers (23.5%) had VAD and 50% were anemic. Mothers with VAD had a significantly lower mean Hb% and a significantly higher frequency of anemia (95.7%) compared to mothers without VAD (35.9%). The relative risk for anemia among mothers with VAD was 2.7 (CI = 2.12–3.3). Newborns of mothers with VAD had a significantly lower mean cord Hb% compared to newborns of mothers without VAD. Maternal serum retinol concentrations were positively correlated with maternal Hb% and cord Hb%. Conclusion. Maternal VAD during pregnancy among poor mothers is associated with maternal anemia and lower Hb% of newborns at birth. Vitamin A supplementation is highly recommended for this vulnerable group.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getnet Kassa ◽  
Addisalem Mesfin ◽  
Samson Gebremedhin

Abstract Background: In low- and middle-income countries routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key strategy for reducing vitamin A deficiency and mortality and morbidity of preschool children. However, in Ethiopia, there is paucity of evidence regarding the level and determinants of the uptake of the supplement. This study was designed to assess the coverage and predictors of VAS among preschool children in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2016. A total of 840 mothers/caregivers having children 6-59 months of age were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique from six rural villages implementing routine VAS program. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Possible predictors considered in the study include distance from the nearby health facility, household socio-economic status, type of the household (model vs non-model), maternal access to health education on VAS, and knowledge on vitamin A and VAS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of uptake of VAS. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The coverage of VAS was 75.0% (95% CI: 72.1-77.9). Better knowledge of mothers about the importance of the supplement (AOR: 1.49, 1.02-2.17), obtaining VAS related information from frontline community health workers (AOR: 1.51, 1.34-2.72) than health professionals and being from households in the “rich” wealth tertile (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07-3.03) were positively associated with uptake VAS. Conclusion: The VAS coverage of the area was approaching the expected national target of 80%. However, the uptake can be enhanced though awareness creation and improving socio-economic status of the community.


2009 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel M. Kafwembe ◽  
James Chipipa ◽  
Eric Njunju ◽  
Roma Chilengi

The main objective of the study was to determine the vitamin A status of Zambian children less than five years of age in a community where strategies of vitamin A supplementation and consumption of vitamin A fortified sugar have been introduced. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 537 children were enrolled. Their vitamin A status was measured using the modified relative dose response (MRDR) test. Their vitamin A status was compared to the status measured using a similar method in 1996, before vitamin A supplementation through capsule distribution and fortification of sugar was implemented as strategies to reduce vitamin A deficiency in the country. Results showed that the vitamin A status of children improved markedly as a result of these strategies.


2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thennakoon M. J. C. Madatuwa ◽  
Sanath T. C. Mahawithanage ◽  
Udumalagala G. Chandrika ◽  
Errol R. Jansz ◽  
Ananda R. Wickremasinghe

The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka commenced a vitamin A supplementation programme of school children with a megadose of 105 μmol (100 000 IU) vitamin A in school years 1, 4 and 7 (approximately 5-, 9- and 12-year-olds, respectively) in 2001. We evaluated the vitamin A supplementation programme of school children in a rural area of Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children supplemented with an oral megadose of vitamin A (105 μmol; n 452) and children not supplemented (controls; n 294) in Grades 1–5. Children were clinically examined and a sample of blood was taken for serum vitamin A concentration estimation by HPLC. Socio-demographic information was obtained from children or mothers. Supplemented children had a higher proportion of males and stunted children, were younger and lived under poorer conditions as compared to controls. There was no difference in the prevalences of eye signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in the two groups. Supplemented children had higher serum vitamin A concentrations than controls (1·4 (sd 0·49) μmol/l v. 1·2 (sd 0·52) μmol/l). The serum vitamin A concentrations were 1·6 (sd 0·45), 1·4 (sd 0·50), 1·3 (sd 0·44) and 1·1 (sd 0·43) μmol/l in children supplemented within 1, 1–6, 7–12 and 13–18 months of supplementation, respectively. Vitamin A concentrations were significantly greater than controls if supplementation was carried out within 6 months after adjustment. The oral megadose of 105 μmol vitamin A maintained serum vitamin A concentrations for 6 months in school children.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getnet Kassa ◽  
Addisalem Mesfin ◽  
Samson Gebremedin

Abstract BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries routine vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key strategy for reducing vitamin A deficiency and mortality and morbidity of preschool children. However, in Ethiopia, there is paucity of evidence regarding the level and determinants of the uptake of the supplement. This study was designed to assess the coverage and predictors of VAS among preschool children in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2016. A total of 840 mothers/caregivers having children 6-59 months of age were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique from six rural villages implementing routine VAS program. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Possible predictors considered in the study include distance from the nearby health facility, household socio-economic status, type of the household (model vs non-model), maternal access to health education on VAS, and knowledge on vitamin A and VAS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of uptake of VAS. The outputs are presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe coverage of VAS was 75.0% (95% CI: 72.1-77.9). Better knowledge of mothers about the importance of the supplement (AOR: 1.49, 1.02-2.17), obtaining VAS related information from frontline community health workers (AOR: 1.51, 1.34-2.72) than health professionals and being from households in the “rich” wealth tertile (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07-3.03) were positively associated with uptake VAS.ConclusionThe VAS coverage of the area was approaching the expected national target of 80%. However, the uptake can be enhanced though awareness creation and improving socio-economic status of the community.


Author(s):  
Vasantha Rao Sappati ◽  
Sannapaneni Krishnaiah ◽  
Suneetha Sapur

Background: To assess the awareness about breast feeding practices and to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about the signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and vitamin A rich foods intake among mothers of children below 5 years in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh (AP) in South India.Methods: A population based cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 mothers (age range 14 to 36 years) during June 2011 and September 2011. A combined simple and systematic random sampling strategy was used to select mothers from one tribal, rural and semi urban area with a representative sample of the Srikakulam district. A standardized structured questionnaire that was developed and validated by the National institute of nutrition, Hyderabad was utilized for this study.Results: The awareness of vitamin A and night blindness was 68.7% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 62.9–74.0) (n=195) and 93.7% (95% CI: 90.2–96.2) (n=266) respectively. The knowledge of signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was nil among illiterate mothers and low among literates; with primary education, adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.06) and with secondary education, OR: 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.62) compared to mothers with graduation and above.Conclusions: There is a need to increase the awareness and knowledge about VAD among mothers with children below 5 years in the southern state of AP.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yidrsail Hune ◽  
Hirut Asaye ◽  
Ayenew Negesse ◽  
Habtamu Temesgen ◽  
Tadesse Yirga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It fondes both animal and plant sources in the form of retinol from animal sources or beta-carotene from plant source foods. Due to increased nutrient need and the severity of the potential health consequences are associated with vitamin A deficiency (VAD), preschool children and pregnant women are considered as the most at risk segments of the community. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of VAD and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Dera woreda, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Community based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-59 months in Dera woreda from December 1/2018 to January 1/2019. Multistage random sampling was used to select the required samples (267). Data were coded and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was fitted. Both bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify factors associated with VAD. Those variables that were showed significant association in multivariable association at P value less than 0.05 declared as statistically significant factors of VAD among children age 6-59 months. Results: Two hundred sixty seven mother-children Pairs were included in the study making a response rate of 94.7%. The overall prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency among children age 6-59 months was 7.8% (95% CI (4.7, 11.3). Antenatal care follow up (AOR: 0.446,95 % CI (0.155, 0.980)); birth interval within 2 year (AOR: 0.392, 95 % CI (0.107, 0.839)), and age group of24-35 months (AOR; 1.206, 95 % CI (1.037, 6.129)) were significantly associated with vitamin-A deficiency. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in this study was found to be lower than the national and regional prevalence. According to this study, VAD is a mild public health problem. Age of children, birth interval, ANC follow up, remain the most important associated factors for vitamin A deficiency. Therefore to decrease the prevalence of VAD, ANC service should be strengthened and we should focus on older children birth interval and age- based food needs.


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