Knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers regarding Vitamin A supplementation in children below five years old in Ugu District

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for the health and well-being of infants and children, and is mainly responsible for good vision growth and development. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) occurs due to a diet that lacks sufficient amount of vitamin A, and is common in developing countries where there is food insecurity. Vitamin A deficiency can result in night blindness, xeropthalmia, increased morbidity and mortality of children under five years old. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends supplementation with a high dose of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) oral drops to children from 6 to 59 months, in countries where deficiency is a concern. However, the programme is not reaching all targeted children, leaving them at risk of suffering from preventable illnesses. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers regarding VAS for children below five years old, in selected primary health care (PHC) facilities in Ugu District. Primary health care facilities were stratified according to different municipalities, and then those with the highest headcount of children under five years old were purposively sampled. Respondents from those PHCs were sampled using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire and checklist and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Respondents’ level of knowledge was limited and they lacked vital information regarding VAS. Respondents indicated a positive attitude towards VAS as they perceived it to be an important and effective strategy for their children. Overcrowding and long queues of health facilities were noted as a challenge that could contribute towards low coverage of VAS. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, there is a need for effective and comprehensive health education on VAS. Use of mass media to accentuate critical aspects of VAS as it reaches large audience at a faster rate, and is commonly used by young mothers. One of the recommendations is for task shifting from professional nurses to integrated management of childhood illnesses by using Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses trained enrolled nurses to relieve the heavy load from professional nurses and reduce the long queues so that mothers do not forego this service.