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.
Levels of Adherence and Associated Factors Among Children on ART Over Time in Northwest, Ethiopia: Evidence from a Multicenter Follow-Up Study [Corrigendum]