A Cross-Sectional Study On The Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Vitamin A Supplementation Among Mothers Having Child Under 5 Years Of Age Residing In Parandur Village, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Introduction:In developing countries like India, children are more vulnerable tomalnutrition vitamin deficiencies and infections.Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in this age group.Diarrhea and measles are some of the major causes of Vitamin A deficiency accounting for 6,50,000 deaths annually.

Methodology:Cross sectional study was conducted among 112 mothers, having children below 5 years of age in Parandur village, Kanchipuram district, usinga structured and validated questionnaire.

Results:The mean age of the mothers is 25 years with SD of 2.25.Majority of them, 67.2% are primary school graduates.Among the study participants,86.3% were housewives and47.1% of them belonged to Class II of modified BG Prasad classification. The study revealed 26.4% of the mothers had good knowledge about sources of Vitamin A.

Conclusion: This study shows the lack of knowledge among rural mothers about Vitamin A and its supplementation programme. Health education sessions can help to bridge this gap and create more impact on the overall awareness of the mothers.