Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Assessing Parental Understanding and Perspectives on Vitamin A Supplementation for Children: A Quantitative Study
Tulika Singh1, Sanjay Kumar2, Setu Sinha3
1Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India.
Background:
Vitamin A deficiency contributes to preventable blindness and child morbidity in developing countries. While Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is effective, parental perceptions influence adherence.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to identify the predictors of adherence to VAS among parents of children aged 9-59 months using the Health Belief Model (HBM).
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 parents attending an immunization center. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire on knowledge and HBM constructs. Logistic regression identified predictors of VAS adherence.
Results:
28.1% perceived child as susceptible, and 52.0% recognized benefits of supplementation. Perceived susceptibility (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 33.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.62-242.71), perceived benefits (AOR = 8.82, 95% CI: 1.78-43.79), fewer perceived barriers (AOR = 96.05, 95% CI: 21.84-422.30), and higher self-efficacy (AOR = 8.47, 95% CI: 2.32-30.89) significantly predicted adherence. Perceived severity was not significant.
Conclusion:
Strengthening awareness, reducing barriers, and enhancing parental confidence can improve VAS uptake.
Related Concept Videos
Concepts of Health and Illness
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
Vitamins
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
