Impact of Vitamin A Supplementation Strategy Change in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Masanja Honorati, Schellenberg Joanna Armstrong, Mshinda Hassan M, Shekar Meera, Mugyabuso Joseph KL, Ndossi Godwin D, de Savigny Don
Primary Institution: Ifakara Health Research & Development Center
Hypothesis
Does changing the delivery strategy of vitamin A supplementation improve coverage among children in Tanzania?
Conclusion
Changing the delivery strategy for vitamin A supplementation significantly increased coverage among children in Tanzania.
Supporting Evidence
- Vitamin A coverage increased from 13% in 1999 to 76% in 2002.
- No disparities in coverage by gender or socio-economic status were found.
- Maternal education was associated with vitamin A supplementation coverage.
Takeaway
The way vitamin A is given to kids in Tanzania changed, and now many more kids are getting it.
Methodology
The study used two independent household surveys to compare vitamin A coverage before and after a change in delivery strategy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported data from mothers and caretakers.
Limitations
The study relied on mothers' reports of vitamin A supplementation, which may not be fully accurate.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1 to 2 years from rural households in four districts of Tanzania.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
[95% CI 10–18%] to [95% CI 72–81%]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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