KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS VITAMIN A IN AL- KADHIMIYA REGION IN BAGHDAD

*Nadia Ghazi Fakhri

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most significant nutritional diseases among children. Aims: To determine the knowledge and attitudes of mothers about vitamin A supplement in infant and, to find out the relationship between demographic data and knowledge and attitudes of mothers. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted at primary health center in Al- Kadhimiya region in Baghdad city where the participants living there. The sample size was 100 case by a non-probability convenience sampling technique where subjects are selected because of their convenient accessibility and proximity to the researcher. The study analysis was done using SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) to analysis this data. Results: The higher percentage of cases 46% in the age group 20-29 years, followed by 40% in the age 30-39 years, 51% were housewives, 27% had illiterate education and 24% had 2 children. Conclusions: We conclude the most sample falls in the age groups 20-29 years. There is a significant relationship has been found between the education mothers and provide the child with vitamin A. also, there is a highly significant relationship have been found between the age groups, occupations, education level of mothers and most common health problem in children when exposed to a lack of vitamin A in the body, p=0.000. we need to control the infant vitamin A deficiency by include the health promotion and nutrition education for families from all socioeconomic levels. Improvements in lifestyle quality, based on adequate food consumption by all infants, must be achieved by communities, especially in urban areas and for older mothers.

Keywords: Vitamin A, Children, Age, Knowledge.