Gender and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Vitamin A, C, and E Intake Among Infants, Toddlers, and Adults in Rural Sierra Leone

Abstract

Aim: Numerous studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic position, gender, and educational attainment have a major impact on dietary diversity and nutritional choices. However, few studies have investigated that of toddlers and adults in rural communities. The goal of this study was to examine the socio-demographic determinants of vitamins A, C & E intake among male and female infants and toddlers, and adult males and females in rural households in two selected rural districts of Sierra Leone. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used to explore the socio-demographic determinants of vitamins A, C, and E intake among households in Bo and Pujehun districts and 1600 households were randomly surveyed. Anthropometric measurements were employed. Weights and heights of the participants were measured using an electronic scale and a height board. In line with the World Health Organization guidelines on growth monitoring, lengths of the children were measured using the UNICEF wooden height board for infants and their weights were measured using an electronic balance. Mid-upper arm circumference of adults, toddlers and infants was measured using the standard UNICEF tapes. Using 24-hour recalls, nutrient intake was calculated using the ‘NutriSurvey’ software package and was compared to Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) and descriptive statistics (Box plots) were used for comparison of the demographic groupings. Results: The study highlights the important sociodemographic elements influencing vitamins A, C and E consumption by toddlers and adults. The intake of vitamin A among male infants and toddlers seems to be lower compared to their female counterparts. The results also show that adult women are likely to be consuming higher levels of vitamin A and C compared to their male counterparts, while there was a very high prevalence of vitamin E inadequacy (~98–99%) across groups. Conclusion: Lower vitamin E intake levels in both male and female infants and toddlers were observed and, and gender differences in eating habits and food choices were noted among the demographic groups. Deficiencies in vitamins A, C and E were considered as public health issues in the study areas.