Maternal awareness and practices regarding vitamin D and their impact on health outcomes in children under five years in Egypt

Abstract

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and immunological function; nonetheless, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) continues to be a significant health issue in children under five years. In Egypt, VDD is highly prevalent among preschool children, with maternal awareness and nursing practices playing significant roles in its occurrence. This study aimed to identify the relationship between maternal awareness and practices regarding vitamin D and their impact on health outcomes in children under five years. A cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive, and quantitative study was employed. Data collection occurred over eight months throughout three governorates in Egypt, involving 300 mothers and their children under five years of age. Children’s health status outcomes were assessed and linked with their mothers’ awareness and practice scores regarding vitamin D supplementation. It was found that two-thirds of mothers had satisfactory knowledge about vitamin D deficiency, but more than half showed unsatisfactory practice scores. A moderate positive correlation was found between maternal practices and children’s health outcomes as height (r = 0.301, p < 0.001), and weight (0.242, p < 0.001), as well as between mothers’ practices and knowledge scores (r = 0.323, p < 0.001). Additionally, maternal practices were significantly influenced by both age and educational level. Maternal practices emerged as a more convincing and coherent associated with child health outcomes than awareness alone. The findings underscore revealed that although over two-thirds of mothers had satisfactory knowledge about VDD, more than half showed unsatisfactory practices. Mothers of children without VDD, and those whose primary teeth erupted before one year demonstrated significantly higher practice scores. A moderate positive correlation was found between maternal practices and children’s health outcomes (weight, and height), as well as between mothers’ practices and awareness scores. Additionally, maternal practices were significantly influenced by both age and educational level.