Evaluation of vitamin a supplementation program to underfive children and nursing mothers in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

The elimination of vitamin A deficiency [VAD] as a public health problem with all its health consequences was adopted as a goal of the year 2010. In many countries, including Egypt, vitamin A supplementation is the main component of multiple approaches being employed. The present study was conducted to calculate coverage rate of vitamin A supplementation for infants, preschool children and nursing mothers [1999-2002], to assess knowledge and attitude of PHC physicians, nurses and nursing mothers on vitamin A and its supplementation program, also to assess PHC nurses' practices in this respect. Interviewing questionnaires were developed by the researchers and completed by 300 physicians, nurses and nursing mothers [100 each] interviewed from eight randomly selected PHC units [MCH/HO] representing three medical zones of Alexandria. The average coverage rates were 97.4%, 95.6% and 51.8% for infants, preschool children and nursing mothers respectively. PHC physicians had a significantly higher mean general knowledge score than PHC nurses and nursing mothers. However, their knowledge as regards specific issues related to vitamin A and its supplementation program was satisfactory in only 1.0% of them. Also, a minority [7.0%] of PHC nurses had satisfactory level of knowledge on administrative and technical aspects of vitamin A supplementation program. Positive attitude towards vitamin A Supplementation program was encountered among high percentage of the study groups. PHC physicians' knowledge was significantly associated with long duration of experience, formal training and postgraduate qualification. However, their attitude was only significantly associated with the long duration of eXperience. PHC nurses' knowledge was significantly associated with their long duration of experience and formal training. However, these factors were insignificantly associated with their practices. Old age of mothers and their education were significantly associated with their knowledge and attitude.Health education of mothers, continuous training of PHC physicians and dissemination of teaching materials developed by international organizations to PHC workers at all levels are extremely needed for Providers of PHC services and users of such services. In order to correct misconceptions and provide correct information on vitamin A and its supplementation program