Evaluation of Mothers' Awareness and Perceptions about Vitamin D Deficiency among Young Children
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide in all age groups. It is a common problem in pediatrics, especially those who have chronic illness, and malnourished, limited geographically to the amount of sun exposure, as well as those with darker skin. This study aim to assess mothers' awareness and perceptions towards vitamin D deficiency among young children. A cross-sectional study, descriptive design was conducted in AL-Najaf health/ primary health care centers October 2023 to February 2024. The findings of present study indicate that the majority of mothers' awareness about vitamin D was poor. Regarding to mothers perceptions was positive. There is a significant relationship between mother's awareness about vitamin D deficiency and their demographic data such as level of education, mother occupation and type of family at (p-value > 0.05), while there is a non- significant relationship with remaining demographic variables. Most of the study sample received information about the importance of vitamin D; the doctors is the main source of these information. The study recommended the need to emphasize the educational sessions provided to mothers about importance of vitamin D to increase their knowledge and interest.
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