Vitamin A-related Nutrition Knowledge Gaps and Predictors among Caregivers of Preschool Children in Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Vitamin A (VA) remains one of the core micronutrients as VA Deficiency (VAD) in children has persisted as a public health problem in many parts of Africa and Asia with adverse micro and macro-level effects. Caregivers of children are essential in the control of VAD; however, there is paucity of data on their knowledge of VA, dietary sources and VAD. This study sought to assess the level of VA-related nutrition knowledge (VANK) and its predictors among caregivers of children aged 24–59 months in Eastern Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional analytical design was used. Both socio-demographic and knowledge and attitude (KA) data were collected using a structured questionnaire partly adapted from the FAO model Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. A total of 247 caregivers of children in Bukwo District in Eastern Uganda out of 256 selected using purposive and random sampling methods participated in the study. Ten knowledge questions were used to assess caregiver knowledge based on percentage scores and levels attained (≤ 40%, low; 41–69%, medium and ≥ 70%, high). Pearson’s Chi-square and correlation, and regression statistics were used to analyze the data, with p < .05 considered as significant. Results The caregivers were mostly female (90%) with a mean age of 30.89 years (SD = 7.69), majority were married subsistence crop farmers with at least primary level education. Just over 20% scored above 40% on VANK, with varying scores for different aspects: knowledge of VA (46.6%) and VAD (31%); VAD causes (22%), signs/symptoms of VAD (13%) and means of prevention (24%). Perceived severity of VAD among caregivers was significantly associated with their VANK. Age and level of education, were found to be significant socio-demographic predictors of VANK (p < .05). Conclusion Caregivers of under-fives in Eastern Uganda had inadequate VANK which was also associated with their perceptions of VAD severity. The main predictors of VANK were age and educational level of the caregiver. Efforts to enhance VANK are recommended especially among caregivers with lower education levels for effective VAD control and achievement of nutrition-related goals such as the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.