Trends and factors influencing vitamin A supplementation uptake among Tanzanian children: analysis of 2010–2022 demographic health survey data

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, growth, epithelial integrity, and reproduction. Adequate intake reduces all-cause and diarrhoea-specific mortality, especially in children aged 6–59 months. In Tanzania, insufficient consumption of vitamin A-rich foods necessitates routine supplementation to prevent vitamin A deficiency (VAD) complications. However, vitamin A supplementation (VAS) uptake rates remain low, and the factors influencing its uptake are not well understood, lacking evidence for interventions to improve VAS uptake and improve child health outcomes. To address this, data was analysed from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS) to assess VAS trends and identify factors associated with VAS uptake among children under five years in Tanzania. Methods Secondary data analysis of Tanzania demographic Health Survey (TDHS) data from 2010 to 2022 was conducted. The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) is a nationally representative survey conducted approximately every five years, designed to collect comprehensive data on population health, nutrition, and demographic indicators. Analysis was done on children between 6 and 59 months of age who had data on the status of VAS uptake and their caregivers. A logistic regression analysis was deployed to assess associations between VAS and factors associated with its uptake. The analysis was performed using STATA 17 software. Results A weighted sample of 23,950 children between 6 and 59 months of age and their parents were included in the trend analysis. The study found that VAS uptake among children aged 6–59 months were 61.6% in 2010 and decreased to 41.6% in 2015/16 and then increased to 54.1% in 2022. The analysis revealed that children of 12 months and above, those with anaemia, large household size, and those with limited access to television or radio were less likely to receive VAS. In contrast, parental education, whether primary or secondary, and a moderate or higher household wealth index significantly increased the likelihood of VAS uptake. Conclusions This study revealed that VAS uptake coverage in Tanzania remains low and is significantly influenced by both child and caregiver characteristics. To improve coverage, stakeholders and healthcare providers must strengthen health systems by addressing key challenges such as cold chain supply, staffing, and essential supplies. Additionally, education on the importance of VAS is crucial for enhancing caregiver awareness and uptake.