ABSTRACT
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially among pregnant, lactating women and children. Its availability in the body therefore plays a very important role in the physiology of vision and immunity. The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the uptake of vitamin A supplements among under-five children in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. A cross-sectional approach was adopted in conducting this study among mothers/caregivers of under five children in households in the study area who were administered interviewer administered questionnaire meant to elicit Socio-demographic information of mother/caregiver, Awareness of vitamin A supplementation of mothers/caregivers, Attitude of respondents on Vitamin A supplementation, Acceptability of vitamin A supplement in the communities, and Availability of Vitamin A Supplement in all the selected health centres in Umuahia North Local Government Area (UNLGA). A total of 400 respondents from different communities in Local Government were included in the study. Similarly, Health Care Workers from the ten selected health facilities in the Local Government were also included. The mean age of mothers was 31.5(SD=6.67) years that of their children was 26.4 (SD= 14.6) months. Majority of the respondents were married women (92%). About 48.3% had a tertiary education and were house workers or businesswomen 20.8%, 27.3% respectfully. The coverage for vitamin A supplementation was 58.1% and it associated with child's age and tribe (Odd= 13.44, p= 0.009), (Odd= 9.71, p= 0.008). The awareness and knowledge scores indicated that awareness was slightly above average score while knowledge was good on relevant information on vitamin A supplementation, causes of deficiency, signs and symptoms of deficiency and measures of prevention of vitamin A deficiency respectively. The attitude scores also indicated an achievement of average result scores of the respondents' responses. Vitamin A coverage in the study was similar though slightly below the national figure for Abia State of 66% in 2013. The study recommended need for the government to make adequate provision of vitamin A at all time in registered private and government health facilities within the local government area and provide good training to healthcare professional.