A Propensity Score Analysis of the Effect of a Single Dose Vitamin A Supplementation on Child Hemoglobin Status in Bangladesh

Abstract

ABSTRACT Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) may cause anemia. The research aimed at evaluating the effect of Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) on hemoglobin (Hb) is, however, limited and, conclusions drawn from a few studies have been concluded inconsistently. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of childhood anemia is high, as well as the prevalence of VAD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of single high dose VAS on Hb of 6–59 months aged children in Bangladesh. A total of 2,058 children was extracted from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS), who received a single dose of VAS in the preceding 6 months. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used by carefully incorporating the survey design to make causal inferences based on this nationally representative survey data. Results show that in sociodemographic variables, VA supplemented and non-supplemented groups were homogeneous. According to PSM, VAS was not significantly related to child Hb status. Stratified analysis based on household wealth status indicates that wealth status was not changing this relationship. Single high dose of VAS alone was not improved child Hb status in Bangladesh. Accordingly, there is a need to strengthen the food fortification program, enhance dietary diversity, increase nutritional education and awareness. Furthermore, future research is needed to comprehend the complex pathways.