Utilization of vitamin A supplementation services in high priority districts of Bihar

Authors

  • Nivedita Sinha Department of Community Medicine, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India
  • Rajesh R. Sinha Department of Community Medicine, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India
  • Ajay Krishna Department of Community Medicine, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India
  • Rashmi Singh Department of Community Medicine, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20180248

Keywords:

VAS, VAD, Utilization, Frontline workers, Caregivers

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major preventable public health problem. Prevalence of VAD in preschool children was 5.7% (India), and 4.5% (Bihar). India is implementing biannual Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) since 2007 along with 80 other countries. VAS was originally proposed as a short term measure, followed by dietary improvement. Since vulnerability to VAD is more in high priority districts (HPDs), it was deemed worthwhile to study the extent to which VAS programme is utilized in the 10 HPDs of Bihar with respect to the processes involved and the ultimate outcome of empowering the community with knowledge and capacity to combat VAD on their own.

Methods: Cross sectional observational study conducted in 6 randomly selected blocks and 5 session sites per block of the 10 HPDs. 300 sites sampled for processes and 893 caregivers interviewed for their knowledge.

Results: Out of 300 sites, 269 sites found functional, 30.85% sites had due lists and 30.11% had MCP cards; 20.44% had adequate VA. IEC displayed at 52.78% and 71.3% sessions conducted in shade. In 79.55% sites efforts made to determine age of child before administration. Correct use of recommended spoon known to 80.66%, benefits of VA to 76.57% and diseases due to VAD to 81.7% of FLWs. Knowledge regarding VA good in 33.4% of caregivers, average in 35.5%, and poor in 30.9%.

Conclusions: Crucial gaps found in necessary inputs and conduct of VAS. Community knowledge found lacking for sustainable programme withdrawal. Better programme management will improve utilization. 

Author Biography

Nivedita Sinha, Department of Community Medicine, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India

Professor & Head Department of Community Medicine, Patna Medical College.

References

World Health Organization. Global prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in populations at risk 1995-2005: WHO global database on vitamin A deficiency. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009: 17. Available at: http://www.whqlibdoc. who.int/publications/2009/9789241598019eng.pdf. Accessed on 10 November 2017.

Wirth JP, Petry N, Tanumihardjo SA, Rogers LM, McLean E, Greig A et al. Vitamin A Supplementation Programs and Country- Level Evidence of Vitamin A Deficiency. Nutrients. 2017;9:190.

Kapil U, Sachdeva HP. Massive Dose Vitamin A Programme in India-Need for a Targeted Approach. Indian J Med.Res.2013;138(3):411-7

Policy on Micronutrient – Vitamin A. No. N.Z 28020 30/2003-CH Government of India, MOHFW, 2006.

Pedro MR, Madriaga JR, Barba CV, Habito RC, Gana AE, Deitchler M et al. The National Vitamin A Supplementation Programme and Subclinical Vitamin A deficiency Among Pre school children in Phillipines. Food, Nutr Bull. 2004;25(4):319-29.

Bloem MW, Hye A, Wijnroks M, Ralte A. The Role of Universal Distribution of Vitamin A Capsules In Controlling Vitamin A Deficiency In Bangladesh. Am J Epid. 1995;142(8):843-55.

Press Centre, Unicef. Available at https://www.unicef.org. Accessed on 11 November 2017

Strategies For Vitamin A Administration :Report of the Expert Committee, ICMR; MOHFW, GOI, 2002

WHO recommendations. Available at www.who.int. Accessed on 15 July 2017.

Letter No SHSB /1751 dated 9th March 2016/ File no /11/MI/2001/IV/ Part file.

Source-Press Information Bureau GOI, MOHFW- 24th April 2015.

Sheth AM, Rangoonwala MM, Lodhiya KK, Zalavadiya DD, Joshi NB. A Study On Awareness And Practice Regarding Vitamin A Intake and Its Deficiency Disorders Among Mothers of Preschool Children In Khirasara Village, Rajkot, Gujarat. Ntl J Community Med. 2016;7(6):505-9.

Rah JH, Houston R, Mohapatra BD, Kumar SS, Saiyed F, Bhattacharjee S, et al. A Review Of Vitamin A Supplementation Program In India: Reasons For success In States of Bihar and Odisha. Food Nutr Bull. 2014;35(2):203-10

Rahman A, Saptoka M. Knowledge of Vitamin A Rich Foods Among Mothers of Preschool Children in Nepal: Impacts On Public Health and Policy Concerns. Sci J Public Health. 2014;2(4):316-22.

Hadzi D, Asalu GA, Avedzi HM, Appiah PK, Tarkang EE. Vitamin a Supplementation Coverage and Correlates of Uptake Among Children 6-59 Months in the South Dayi District, Ghana. Central African J Public Health. 2016;2(2):89-98.

Nyhus DC, Dhillon CN, Subramaniam H, Mulokozi G, Rambelosone Z, Klemm R. Overestimation Of Vitamin A Supplementation Coverage From District Tally Sheets Demonstrates Importance Of Population –Based surveys For Program Improvement: Lessons from Tanzania. PLOS ONE. 2013;8(3):e58629.

Oyunga MA, Omondi DO, Grant FKE. Awareness in the Context of Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency Among Households in Western Kenya Using a Cross-Sectional Study. J Food Nutrition Sci. 2016;4(3):55-64.

Singh MM, Devi R, Gupta S. Effectiveness of training on the knowledge of vitamin A deficiency among Anganwadi workers in a rural area of north India. Indian J Public Health. 1999;43(2):79-81.

Downloads

Published

2018-01-24

How to Cite

Sinha, N., Sinha, R. R., Krishna, A., & Singh, R. (2018). Utilization of vitamin A supplementation services in high priority districts of Bihar. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 5(2), 667–673. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20180248

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles