Exploring Barriers to Vitamin A Supplementation Uptake and Program Implementation Among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

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Background: Children in Ethiopia do not receive the recommended dose of vitamin A supplementation (VAS).Objective: This study aimed to explore the barriers to VAS uptake and program implementation among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia.Methods: Data were collected qualitatively using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded. The results were displayed using thematic analysis and the well-spoken verbatim of the respondents.Results: The barriers to VAS uptake were low parental awareness of the program and low interest or motivation, low promotion of the program among health professionals, an excessive workload for health extension workers, and low professional attention to VAS compared to other health services.Conclusion: Both client-side and supply-side issues posed significant obstacles to the uptake of VAS. It is important to educate mothers about VAS. Health workers should receive refresher training to raise their level of concern about VAS’s importance and its schedule. It’s crucial to initiate outreach programs for remote communities. The departmentalization of health extension packages will improve service and access.

Keywords

• children
• vitamin A supplementation
• qualitative approach
• Amhara
• Ethiopia