Knowledge and Behaviour of Vitamin A Consumption Associates to Night Blindness

Abstract

Abstract Background Night blindness is the first sign of vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. This study aimed to determine the relationship between college students' knowledge and consumption of vitamin A-rich foods and the appearance of night blindness symptoms.Methods This cross-sectional study involved 409 students in their sixth semester at Sultan Agung Islamic University. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the level of knowledge and behaviour of vitamin A consumption. Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ) collected data on night blindness complaints. To determine the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable, bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regressions were conducted. The p-value threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results Bivariate analysis of the Chi-square test revealed that gender, study programme cluster, level of knowledge, and vitamin A consumption behaviour were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with night blindness symptoms. The logistic regression analysis results revealed that learning and behaviour regarding vitamin A consumption were associated with night blindness (p < 0.05). Vitamin A consumption is strongly associated with night blindness symptoms, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.560 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.215–5.392), whereas vitamin A knowledge showed an OR of 2.239 (95% CI: 1.110–4.516).Conclusion The level of knowledge and behaviour regarding vitamin A consumption is related to night blindness in college students. This study advises students to maintain a healthy diet to prevent night blindness.