Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency and Associated Factors among 6-59 Months Children in Kersa Distirict Jimma Zone, South Western Ethiopia, 2025: Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant public health concern, particularly among children 6-59 months years in low and middle-income countries. Due to increased nutrient need and the severity of the potential health concerns associated with vitamin A deficiency (VAD), children are the most at risk groups of the community. In kersa District, there was no previous study on VAD among 6-59 months children at community level. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and associated factors among 6-59 months Kersa District, Jimma, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma Zone Kersa District from Febuary 05, 2025 to March 20, 2025. A systematic random sampling was employed. A total of 398 particants included in this study by using a structured questionnaire. The data was cleaned and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The descriptive data was summarized using frequency, percentages, Mean and texts. Variables with p-values < 0.25 on bivariable logistic regression analyses were candidated for multivariable logistic regression analyses. The strength of association between dependent and independent variable was determined by (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals and statistically significant association was declared at P-values < 0.05. Reults: Three hundred ninty eight mothers with children 6-59months were included in the study making a response rate of 97.8%. The overall prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency among children age 6-59 months was 3.8 %(95% CI (2.0, 6.0). Having no Antenatal care follow up (AOR: 4.69(1.30-16.89)); Having No PNC (4.57(1.127-18.495)), and having no immunization (AOR; 5.21(1.34-20.21)) were signicantly associated with vitamin-A deficiency. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in this study was found to be higher than the national and regional prevalence. Not having ANC follow up, Not having PNC care and not having Immunization were remain the most important associated factors for vitamin A deficiency. Therefore to decrease the prevalence of VAD, ANC, PNC and immunization service should be strengthened.