CONSUMPTION PATTERNS OF VITAMIN A RICH FOODS BY PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN RURAL AREAS OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess consumption patterns of vitamin A rich foods by pre-school children in rural communities of Ohaji/Egbema in Imo state, Nigeria.

Study Design: A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted.

Materials and Methods: A total of 350 mothers/caregivers and preschooler (aged 2-5years) pairs were selected using multi-stage sampling from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area in Imo state, Nigeria. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from mothers/caregivers on knowledge, socio-demographic characteristics and food habits of the pre-school children. Market and shop surveys were conducted to identify vitamin A rich foods. A modified 7-day Helen Keller International (HKI) qualitative Food Frequency questionnaire and 24 hour recall were used to assess consumption pattern and mean frequency of vitamin A rich foods by preschoolers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: There was an almost equal distribution of the male (50.9%) and female (49.1%) preschoolers. More than half of the mothers/caregivers were farmers (51.1%) and had up to secondary education (61.7%). Majority of mothers/caregivers (92%) had poor knowledge of vitamin A rich foods. The general meal pattern for majority of the preschoolers was three or more meals per day (84.2%). Parental ownership of backyard garden was high (89.7%), while few (28%) actually grow fruits and vegetables on their farm/garden. Red palm oil and dark green leafy vegetables (DGLVs) were more frequently consumed (≥85%) over a 7 day period. The mean frequency of consumption of animal (1.79±0.63 days per week) and plant (2.25±0.75 days per week) sources of vitamin A was low.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that consumption of Vitamin A rich foods was below the threshold value of HKI recommendation. Mothers/caregivers of the children should be encouraged and taught how to incorporate vitamin A rich foods (both animal and plant sources) into the daily meals of their preschool children.