Factors influencing initiation and discontinuation of vitamin D supplementation among children 1-24-months-old

Abstract

Objectives

To determine vitamin D supplementation frequency among children aged 1–24 months, factors that influence adherence, and reasons for discontinuation of initiated vitamin D.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to the mothers via face-to-face interview of 560 children aged from 1 to 24 months admitted to outpatient clinics from June to December 2017.

Results

A total of 351 children were administered vitamin D, and the rate of supplementation in the first year of life was 83%, while it was only 28% between 13 and 24 months. The rate of vitamin D supplementation was higher among exclusively formula-fed children (p < .05). When the data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, only visit family physicians were statistically significant independent variable in increasing supplementation (p < .05). Compared with family refusal, the rate of discontinuation of vitamin D by the healthcare providers was higher after the first year of life (p < .05). The rate of vitamin D discontinuation by healthcare providers, especially by nurses who considered the duration of supplementation adequate, was statistically significantly higher when compared with the fontanel closure and other independent variables (p < .05).

Conclusion

The rate of vitamin D supplementation was higher among families who visited family physicians, which suggests the importance of well-baby visits. Since vitamin D supplementation was less common among exclusively breastfed children, mothers should be educated. Healthcare professionals need further education about the importance of vitamin D supplementation and indications for discontinuation.

Keywords:

• Adherence
• children
• healthcare providers
• supplementation
• vitamin D

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Author contributions

Study concept and design: T.S., and S.H.K.; analysis and interpretation of data: T.S., drafting of the manuscript: S.H.K.; critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: T.S and S.H.K, statistical analysis: S.H.K. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.