Knowledge Attitude and Practice Regarding Micronutrient in Secondary School Student of Tribal Area in Gujarat

Abstract

Introduction: Iodine, vitamin A and iron are most important micronutrients in global public health terms; their lack represents a major threat to the health and development of populations the world over, particularly children in low-income countries. To combat the deficiency of micronutrients, awareness of their importance and their source play’s vital role. Objective: to assess knowledge regarding important micronutrients in tribal students. Methodology: It is a cross sectional study conducted in 348 secondary school students of tribal area. Observations: Questionnaire regarding knowledge revealed that 83 (23.9%) students had never heard of vitamin A, while 103 (29.6%) and 72 (20.7%) students had never heard of Iron and Iodine respectively. Gender wise analysis revealed that overall knowledge of micronutrients is comparatively higher among the girls. Recommendations: School children should be specially targeted in IEC campaign to decrease burden of micronutrient deficiency. Micronutrients should be included in school syllabus.