EXPLORING MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES RELATED TO VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Author Name: 1.Neena Patel 2. Meghna Gupta

Volume/Issue: 06/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2025-57776975/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Nursing Tutor, Parul Institute of Nursing , Parul University Waghodia, India.
2. Nursing Tutor, Parul Institute of Nursing , Parul University Waghodia, India.

ABSTRACT

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where it significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Vitamin A deficiency affects an estimated 190 million preschool-age children globally, leading to increased vulnerability to infections, impaired vision (including night blindness), and in severe cases, irreversible blindness and death. Inadequate intake of Vitamin A-rich foods, poor dietary diversity, and limited access to healthcare services contribute to the high prevalence of this preventable nutritional disorder.The role of mothers in preventing VAD among children is crucial, as they are the primary caregivers responsible for child feeding practices, dietary choices, and access to healthcare. A mother’s knowledge about the sources, benefits, and health implications of Vitamin A directly influences her practices related to nutrition and supplementation for her children. Despite the availability of Vitamin A supplementation programs and nutrition education initiatives, gaps in maternal awareness and inconsistent practices continue to pose significant barriers to the success of these strategies. As such, a systematic review of the literature is necessary to consolidate existing evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and highlight key factors associated with maternal behaviors concerning Vitamin A. This systematic review aims to explore the existing literature on maternal knowledge, practices, and associated factors related to Vitamin A deficiency among children under five. By synthesizing data from multiple studies, the review seeks to provide insights into the current status of maternal awareness and behaviors, evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions, and offer recommendations for future research and policy implementation to improve child health outcomes.

Key words: Maternal Knowledge, Vitamin A, Children Under Five