THE NATIONAL VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM: PRACTICES AND SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF MOTHERS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF VALE DO JEQUITINHONHA

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify practices related to the Vitamin A National Supplementation Program and to reveal social representations of mothers of beneficiary children about the Vitamin A, Vitamin A Deficiency and the Program in the municipality of Vale do Jequitinhonha. A qualitative approach and the Theory of Social Representations were adopted. Semistructured and focused interviews with 20 mothers were carried out, which were submitted to a thematic content analysis. This study showed that the vitamin A supplementation has been a strategy linked to the National Immunization Program and that the practice of supplementation has been unaccompanied by an adequate process of communication, information and education aimed at the beneficiary population. It was demonstrated the that lack of knowledge about the Program and about the Vitamin A D eficiency d eficiency p revails among m others. I t was revealed that some mothers see vitamin A as the "vitamin of the health center", which indicates the primary conception of this nutrient as a medicine and not as a food element. The conception of vitamin A as a vaccine or simply as a vitamin (in a generic way) was pointed out and, finally, it was demonstrated that this vitamin is valued by the mothers, even if at times they do not understand its importance. It was concluded that it is essential to develop/strengthen educational activities aimed at the population on Vitamin A Deficiency and actions aimed at their prevention/control it. In addition, it is necessary to reflect on the representations that this program has left for the beneficiary families, by the professionals who work in its development. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]