Socio-Demographic and Economic Factors Affecting Vitamin A Supplementation among Children in Yaqshid District Somalia

Abstract

BACKGROUND Vitamin A supplementation is one of the robust interventions for vitamin A deficiency in developing and middle-income countries. However, despite the rollout of VAS over the last three decades, the uptake of vitamin A supplements in some countries including Somalia is still significantly low. There is therefore a need to understand the deterrent of the VAS program. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study employed a cross-sectional study design which aided in understanding the factors influencing VAS. Data were collected by research assistants using a semi-structured questionnaire from 324 caregivers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 at a 95% confidence interval. The data were subjected to descriptive and regression analysis. All ethical considerations were adhered to in the study. RESULTS The rate of VAS among children aged 6 to 59 months in Yaqsgid district was significantly low as compared to the WHO recommendation. Socio-demographic factors that were found to significantly influence VAS were the caregiver's marital status, level of education and employment status. CONCLUSION The community in Yaqshid district should be sensitized to the importance of educating girls as well as giving women the opportunity to work to improve the VAS rates. Additionally, the Somali government and partners in health should periodic health education for women and amplify the door-to-door supplementation program.