KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND UPTAKE OF VITAMIN A VACCINATION IN CHILDREN AMONG CAREGIVERS IN ENUGU STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Deficiency of vitamin A is a major disease of public health concern when it comes to children. It is the commonest cause of preventable blindness in this age group. This is as a result of high requirement for their growth and the fact they are typically more susceptible to infections.
OBJECTIVES
To study and determine the knowledge, attitude and uptake of vitamin A vaccination in children among caregivers in Enugu state
METHODOLOGY
A descriptive cross sectional design was used in this study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the sampling. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents over one week. Data was presented in frequencies and proportions.
RESULT
Data from 320 questionnaires obtained from caregivers of children in ESUTH were analyzed. The majority of the children were between 12-35 months old, 130(40.6%), with a mean of 21. 28 months ± 15.39 standard deviation. The majority of the caregivers were between 21 – 30 years old. The majority of respondents were aware and had good knowledge of vitamin A supplementation vaccination. 202 (63.1%) and 196(61.3%) knew Vitamin A could prevent blindness, 196(61.3%). Only 24 respondents (7.5%) knew the correct number of doses required for their children. The majority of caregivers 270(84.4%) had given their wards vitamin A and also willing to tell others about it, 303(94.7%). The level of uptake of vitamin A is good, 239 (74.7%).Most of the respondents gave the wards the first dose of vitamin A at 6 months, 245(76.6%).
CONCLUSION
There is good knowledge, attitude and uptake towards vitamin A vaccination in children among care givers in Enugu State but, there is poor knowledge of the doses to be given. There should be increase inadequate dissemination of information (health campaign) on vitamin A on the aspect of WHO recommendation on supplementation, sources and other benefits aside from blindness through social media, radio/television and local churches. The health workers including medical officers and community health extension workers will help in disseminating this information to the appropriate bodies.
KEYWORDS
Vitamin A deficiency, Vaccination/Supplementation, Knowledge, Attitude, Uptake, Children, Caregivers
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