Dietary Vitamin A Intake and Associated Factors among Lactating Women in Wondo Genet District, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in Ethiopia, despite the implementation of the national nutrition program. However, evidence on the dietary vitamin A intake adequacy among lactating women is limited. This study was aimed at assessing dietary vitamin A intake and associated factors among lactating women in Wondo Genet district of Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 lactating women from January 1 to 28, 2024. A simple random sampling method was followed to select the study respondents. Data were collected using a structured pretested questionnaire. Vitamin A inadequacy was defined as a dietary intake below the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Associated factors of dietary vitamin A inadequacy were identified using a logistic regression model. The outputs were presented using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The study presented 36.9% (95% CI: 32.2%-41.6%) prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin A. Large family size (AOR =2.73, 95% CI: 1.70, 4.39), food insecurity (AOR =2.08, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.32), poor knowledge on vitamin A (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.98), not received nutritional counselling (AOR =3.61, 95% CI: 2.17, 6.03) and consumed fewer than three meals per day (AOR =3.56, 95% CI: 2.20, 5.75) were significantly associated with inadequate vitamin A intake. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of inadequate dietary vitamin A intake among lactating women in the area. Independent predictors of inadequate intake included large family size, food insecurity, lack of nutritional counseling, knowledge of vitamin A, and the number of meals consumed per day. We strongly recommend educating lactating women to consume foods rich in vitamin A and participate in income generating activities.