ABSTRACT

Many developing countries including Nigeria have vitamin A deficiency as a public health problem due to inadequate intake of vitamin A from food. This poses huge economic and manpower loss. This study aimed at bringing to fore the knowledge and utilization of vitamin A rich foods among households in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 3 wards out of the 12 wards that make up Umuahia North LGA. Systematic sampling techniques were used to select households for the survey. A structured questionnaire was used to capture information relating to socio-economic/ demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice. The consumption pattern of vitamin A rich food was captured by means of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Mothers were given priority as subjects due to their roles in household food preparation. Approximately, each questionnaire took a completion time of 10-15 minutes. Knowledge, attitude and practice question were assigned points for ease of data analysis. Ten points were awarded for the correct answer while zero point was awarded for the wrong answer. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages was adopted using the statistical package SPSS version 20. The age bracket of most subjects (47.7%) ranged between 18 to 55. They were predominantly Christians of Igbo extraction. The most frequent family size (45.1%) ranged between 4 to 6 persons. Significant number of the subject had formal education above primary level while being gainfully employed as traders and public servants. The number of subjects with monthly income below 18,000 naira were 19.6%.  The major source of awareness of vitamin A rich food is from hospitals and health centres. Study revealed that 35% (male) and 45% (female) of the subject had poor knowledge towards vitamin A rich food. Palm oil (37.1%) and green leafy vegetable (40.6%) consumption is the predominant source of daily vitamin A intake among subjects. Icheku (7.7%), Oysters (8.4%), oatmeals (7.8%) and Cod liver oil (8.7%) recorded least daily intake amongst subjects on a daily basis. Promotion and advocacy of staple foods rich in vitamin A as well as vitamin A fortified foods is urgently recommended and should be given priority.