Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency And Associated Factors Among Children Aged 6-59 Months In Dera District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Yidrsail Hune, Hirut Asaye, Ayenew Negesse, Habtamu Temesgen, Tadesse Yirga, Biachew Asmare Fenta, Amare Bekalu and Habtamu Mekonnen

Background: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It comes retinol from animal sources or beta-carotene from plant source. Vitamin A contains breast milk after the post-weaning period and their increased nutrient demand of children from 6-59 months, they are considered highly affected segments of the community. Hence, study assesses vitamin A deficiency and associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Dera district, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: Cross-sectional study design was conducted via multistage sampling techniques. Data were coded and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for analysis. The bivariate and multiple variable logistic regression analyses were fitted.

Results: Total response rate 94.7%. Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children age from 6-59 months was 7.8% (95% CI: 4.7, 11.3). Anti natal care (ANC) follow-up (AOR =0.446:95 % CI; 0.155, 0.980), and birth interval (AOR= 0.392: 95 % CI; 0.107, 0.839), reduces the odds of developing vitamin A deficiency; whereas age group of 36–47 months (AOR= 1.911: 95 % CI; 1.305, 11.969) increases the odds of its deficiency.

Conclusion: Age of children, birth interval, ANC follow-up, Post natal care (PNC) follow-up, and place of residence were associated factors for vitamin A deficiency. Therefore more efforts should be encouraged to produce and purchase a variety of foods rich in vitamin A.

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