National Vitamin A Supplementation Program in primary care: what is the reality in Minas Gerais, Brazil?

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program in Minas Gerais, adopting the mixed sequential explanatory method. The quantitative approach adopted the multidimensional instrument per the components of vitamin A supplementation and food and nutrition education. We employed an analysis matrix with parameters to define the implementation as adequate, partially adequate, inadequate, and critical. We used semi-structured interviews in the qualitative approach. The “process” dimension was better evaluated than the “structure”, with an implementation level (IL) of 84.6% and 78.5%, respectively. The Program’s strengths include supplementation planning, achieving goals, recording information, supporting breastfeeding, and the performance of Community Health Workers. Weaknesses are fragmented work, analysis of information limits, access to the Program’s actions, implementation of educational actions, and lack of or insufficient availability of nutritionists and training. The Program’s reality only partially considered health promotion actions and focused on vitamin A supplementation. Implementing food and nutritional education actions is imperative to face vitamin A deficiency.

Key words:
Vitamin A deficiency; Food and nutrition education; Program evaluation; Health policy