Awareness and availability of micronutrients powders among mothers and caregivers of children aged 6 - 59 months in Zanzibar City

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient powders (MNP) are designed to supplement micronutrients in foods consumed by children or pregnant women in settings where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. Organisations, including humanitarian agencies, the Ministry of Health, and non-governmental organisations distribute them. This study aimed to assess the awareness and availability of micronutrient powders (MNPs) among mothers and caregivers in Zanzibar City. The study specifically aimed to assess the understanding of MNPs among mothers and caregivers and to assess the use of MNPs among children in Zanzibar.

Methods: The study employed a longitudinal design, whereby data were collected at a single point in time over two months. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. Purposive sampling was used to identify sellers of MNPs sachets. A total of 365 respondents were surveyed, comprising two MNPs sellers in Zanzibar and 263 caregivers and mothers in Zanzibar. The former was interviewed face-to-face, while the latter completed a pre-tested questionnaire and checklists. However, the study involved three focus group discussions with customers of MNPs, namely mothers and caregivers, to collect data.

Results: The results indicated that most mothers and caregivers were unaware of the MNPs. The product was not readily available or used during the study period. Furthermore, there was a lack of clarity regarding the product among mothers and caregivers. The mothers and caregivers believed that the MNPs were a strategy for vaccinating their children and/or making them infertile.

Conclusions: Community health workers needed training to counsel mothers and caregivers appropriately. Further research is required to ascertain the beliefs and social norms regarding MNPs among parents of children under five in Zanzibar.