Differentials in Vitamin A Supplementation and its Association with Child Morbidity in Ethiopia

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the associated factors for childhood vitamin A supplementation and its association with childhood illness in Ethiopia. Methods: A secondary data analysis was made from Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2011. A total of 10,631 children of age 6-59 months were included for this analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression model were used in the statistical analysis. Results: There was a regional difference in vitamin A supplementation coverage in Ethiopia (P <0.001). Absence of checking after delivery was a significant negative predictor of not receiving vitamin A in the last 6 months (AOR 0.771, 95% 0.612-0.97). Infants who were in the age group of 6-11 months were 80% less likely to receive vitamin A in the last 6 months compared to children of age 47-59 months(OR 0.20, 95% CI, 0.151-0.273). There was no statistically significant association between educational status, place of residence, wealth index, place of delivery and ANC attendance with childhood vitamin A supplementation. Vitamin A supplementation was negatively associated with reporting cough [OR 0.864, 95% CI 0.786-951) but not with diarrheal morbidity and fever in the last two weeks. Conclusions: Absence of checking after delivery and being in the youngest age group were the significant predictors of not receiving vitamin A for the last 6 months. Vitamin A supplementation was not associated with diarrhea and fever morbidity but negatively associated with reporting cough. Provision and promotion of postnatal care and further research with strong study design to investigate the effect of Vitamin A supplementation on childhood illness were recommended.