Use of vitamins, minerals and supporting products in children in Adana province

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency, methods and families' knowledge about vitamins, minerals and supplementary products in children in Adana. Materials and Methods: In this study, In the 3 groups in Adana (Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Balcalı Hospital, Adana City Education and Research Hospital, and some Family Health Centers in Seyhan, Sarıçam, Çukurova districts), we have previously identified questions to 300 parents who have children under 5 years of age with face-to-face interview technique. In each of the 3 groups, we evaluated the demographic data, knowledge levels, usage patterns, cost amount, benefit and / or harm rates of families with regard to the use of iron, vitamin D and supplementary products. Data collection it was carried out at the time of admission to the outpatient clinic of families with children under 5 years of age. Surveys were then recorded and statistical analysis was performed. Results: Of the 300 children included in the study, 190 (63.3%) were healthy and 110 (36.7%) presented with an acute illness. When the educational level of the mothers who participated in our survey were examined, 96 (32%) were university graduates. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic variables. Correct usage rate of iron drug was 60.7%. Although this result was higher in Group 1 (University Hospital), there was no statistically significant difference. When the correct usage rates of vitamin D are considered; It was found to be 83.3%. Although the most commonly used supportive product was multivitamin (12.5%), the total of herbal supplement products was found to be 24%. There was no statistical difference between the 3 groups for the use of supportive products. When the relationship between the cost spent on the supporting product(s) and income was examined, no statistically significant relationship was found. Conclusion: Iron and vitamin D supplementation in the pediatric age group should be provided at the right time is one of the cost effective methods of preventing future diseases. In our study, the correct usage rates of iron and vitamin D (60.7%, 83.3%) were found to be high in Adana. It was found out that the families learned the recommendations from physicians at a high rate. children are no adequate data on the use of supplements in Turkey. In our study, it was found that 49% of supplementary products were used in addition to iron, vitamin D and nutrients. Keywords: Iron, D vitamin, supporting products