Factors hindering the uptake of vitamin a supplementation among under-five children, Oshakati district, Oshana region
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Vitamin A supplementation is a crucial public health intervention aimed at reducing child
mortality and morbidity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where vitamin
A deficiency is prevalent. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the uptake of
Vitamin A supplementation among children under five years old in the Oshakati district,
Namibia. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional study design. A total of 198
parents were surveyed at five health centres using structured questionnaires to gather
information on factors such as income, education, transport, and healthcare access. The
study found that 46.5% of participants strongly agreed that Vitamin A supplementation
should start at six months, and 53% agreed that parents should know their child’s follow up schedule. Key barriers included transportation costs (78.3%) and long wait times
(69.2%), while 65.7% reported Vitamin A shortages. Knowledge was high, with 166
(83.8%) strongly agreeing on the importance of Vitamin A for eye health and 76.8%
recognising its role in preventing deficiency, though gaps remained, such as awareness of
xerophthalmia (33.8%). Chi-square tests were conducted to determine associations
between socio-demographic factors and supplementation uptake, with results showing no
statistically significant associations between variables like education, income, and
occupation with Vitamin A adherence. The study concluded that enhancing health
education, improving healthcare access, and addressing transportation barriers are vital to
increasing Vitamin A supplementation adherence. The study recommends interventions
to address transportation barriers and improve healthcare service efficiency, particularly
in rural and remote areas, to enhance access to Vitamin A supplementation. Additionally,
strengthening community engagement through health education to improve parental
awareness
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health
Keywords
Vitamin A supplemenation, Socio-demographic factors, Adherence, Namibia, Child health, University of Namibia