1.Vitamin A knowledge and household consumption frequency of vitamin A – rich foods in Tangail, Bangladesh
Rokeya Begum ; Md. Nannur Rahman ; Robiul Islam ; Md. Rakibul Hasan ; Md. Yusuf Jamil ; Sanjida Anjom Tamanna
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2021;27(No.1):1-13
Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most serious health problems
in developing countries. This study aims to explore the comparative figure of
vitamin A knowledge, household consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods,
and association of socio-demographic factors with knowledge and consumption in
four residential areas in Tangail district, Bangladesh. Methods: This study used
a population-based cross-sectional design with 400 study participants selected
using purposive sampling technique. Knowledge and consumption frequency were
assessed by a structured questionnaire along with food frequency table. Data were
analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Only 33.5% participants had primary
vitamin A knowledge, where most from urban (48.5%) and semi-urban (30.6%)
areas had comparatively higher knowledge than those from rural (11.2%) and slum
(9.7%) areas. Specific knowledge level was also poorer in rural and slum areas than
urban and semi-urban areas. Most of the participants received knowledge through
commercial advertisements (65.7%). Household consumption frequency of vitamin
A-rich foods (plant and animal) was comparatively lower in rural and slum areas
than in urban and semi-urban areas. Different socio-demographic factors (place of
residence, education and household income) significantly influenced participant’s
vitamin A knowledge and household consumption of vitamin A-rich foods (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In general, the study population lacked knowledge regarding the
importance of vitamin A. Consumption frequency of vitamin A-rich foods was still
poorer in slum and rural areas than in urban and semi-urban areas.