Coverage evaluation of Iron folic acid and vitamin A supplementation among children in rural Puducherry—A Mixed method study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Despite many measures taken by the government, still the problem of Vitamin A deficiency and anaemia exists among children. This study focuses on coverage of iron and folic acid and Vitamin A supplementation among children aged between 9 months and 5 years and to find out the barriers in administrating these supplements to children. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methodology was conducted in the field practice area of Thirubuvanai primary health centre. In the quantitative survey, a cross-sectional cluster sampling survey was conducted to find the coverage of IFA and Vitamin A supplementation among children (n = 215), followed by a qualitative interview (n = 14) to find out the barriers in administrating these supplements to children was conducted among the mothers. Results: Our study found that Vitamin A supplementation coverage was taken only by 42% of the children in the last 6 months preceding the survey. IFA supplementation was taken by 31.2% of the children in the last 7 days preceding the survey. Lack of awareness, myths and misbeliefs, fear of adverse effects and lack of family support were found as barriers in administering the supplement to the children. Conclusion: The study findings have highlighted the need for community health education to improve the coverage of supplement administration.