Consumption of vitamin A-rich foods among 6–23-month-old children in Jigjiga town: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that has several vital functions in the body. Its deficiency causes several eye disorders. The Somali region of Ethiopia has the lowest vitamin A consumption among children under two years, yet few studies have explored related factors. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 522 households in Jijiga town. A multi-stage sampling method was used, and data was analyzed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 49.8% (95% CI: 45.3-54.3) of children aged 6-23 months consumed VARF in the 24 hours preceding the survey. VARF consumption was higher among children aged 12-17 months (AOR=2.71; 95% CI: 1.49-4.95) and 18-23 months (AOR=2.02; 95% CI: 1.01-4.03), mothers with secondary or higher education (AOR=2.28-3.48), those exposed to media (AOR=2.98; 95% CI: 1.80-4.92), households with food security (AOR=2.36; 95% CI: 1.30-4.30), and Protestant families (AOR = 6.28; 95% CI: 1.50-26.95). CONCLUSIONS: About half of the children had good intake of vitamin A-rich foods. Educating mothers, promoting nutrition through media, ensuring food security, and promoting age-appropriate feeding practices are key to increasing vitamin A intake.