Dietary Vitamin A Consumption and Associated Factors in 12 to 59 Month Old Children in Tula, SNNPR

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess dietary intake of vitamin A and factors associated with it. Methods: A community-based cross sectional study with both quantitative and qualitative elements that involved in 556 children with the age of 12 to 59 months from Tula, Sidama zone in August and September, 2012. A two stage clustered sampling procedure was employed to select the required households. A modified 7 day Helen Keller International (HKI) food frequency questionnaire and 24 hr Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) were used to assess dietary intake of vitamin A. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated to dietary vitamin A consumption. Results: The majority (53.2%) of the children were in the lowest IDDS group. The total mean frequency of consumption of animal products was 2.5 days/week if breast milk was included. The mean frequency consumption of weighted by source (plant and animal) vitamin A rich food was 3.3 days/week. Children who had at least one childhood illness in the past two weeks before survey had 1.70 (95% CI: 1.10-2.64) times more likely low consumption of vitamin A source foods than their countnterpart. Mothers who had no awareness about vitamin A had 4.2 (95%CI: 2.77-6.43) times more likely less consumption of vitamin A source foods than their counterparts. Conclusions:  The finding showed that frequency of consumption of Vitamin A rich foods was below the threshold value of HKI. Improving Vitamin A consumption needs to improve access and availability to vitamin A rich food sources.