Medical nutrition supplement use to boost immunity in children below 12 years: perceptions of parents and prevalence of use in Kawempe Division.

Abstract

Malnutrition is a major contributor to the global disease burden with a far more powerful impact on child mortality. Deficiencies in essential nutrients can compromise the immune system, making children susceptible to infections and diseases. Adequate nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting development of immune system of children. Although some children might get all the essential components from their regular dietary intake, some children do not, and may require supplementation. Dietary supplements are particularly useful for this purpose. Parents' perceptions towards use of Medical nutrition supplements affect their willingness to adopt these as preventive measures for illnesses, support their children’s health and filling nutritional gaps. This study determined the prevalence and parents’ perceptions on use of medical nutrition supplements to boost immunity in children below 12 years in Kawempe division. A cross sectional study was conducted in Kawempe division. This study included 302 households with children below 12 years and the target respondent in each of the sampled households was the parent or guardian. Cluster sampling was used to group study participants then systematic sampling was used to select participants in each cluster. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24 software. Chi-square test was used to determine associations and a p value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Majority of the respondents (189, 62.58%) had used MNS for their children in the past 6 months and only 85 (28.15%) were currently using. Most parents perceived MNS as safe (158, 52.3%) and effective (257, 85.1%), although majority (147, 48.68%) lacked sufficient information about MNS. Factors such as affordability (P=0.001), accessibility (P<0.001), parents having sufficient knowledge(P<0.0001) and health care providers’ advice to use MNS (P=0.0084) were strongly associated with prevalence of use. Majority users (112; 44.6%) initiated them at age above 1 year. Commonly used types were multivitamins (142; 56.6%). Major reasons for use were children being sick (126; 50.2%) and poor appetite (87; 34.7%). There was a high use prevalence (62.58%) in the past 6 months compared to the current use (28.15%) of MNS. Most parents believe MNS are safe, effective and helpful for certain age groups, but feel healthcare providers don't give enough guidance. Majority feel they lack sufficient knowledge about MNS despite receiving use advice from medical professionals.