Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2001-2002 - Measure DHS

11.3.2 Micronutrient Intake among ChildrenTable 11.9 shows the percentage of children under age three who consumed fruits and vegetablesrich in vitamin A in the day or night preceding the survey, and the percentage of those children whoreceived vitamin A supplements in the 6 months preceding the survey. It also indicates the percentage ofchildren under five living in households that have adequately iodised salt.Table 11.9 shows that almost 60 percent of children under three consume fruits and vegetablesrich in vitamin A. Also encouraging is the fact that two-thirds of children 6-59 months are reported tohave received a vitamin A supplement in the previous 6 months. Consumption of vitamin A supplementsis highest in the age group 12-36 months. There are no marked difference between the sexes on theconsumption of vitamin A, iodised salt, vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A, or vitamin Asupplements. Non-breastfeeding children appear to consume more micronutrient-rich foods and supplementsthan breastfeeding children. There are minimal differences in urban and rural areas in theconsumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A. Data also indicate that the consumption of foodsrich in vitamin A is higher for children of women with a secondary or higher education compared withthose with primary or no education. Vitamin A supplementation is relatively high in the urban areas (78percent) compared with the rural areas (63 percent). There are marked differences between provinces inthe level of vitamin A supplementation ranging from 52 percent in Eastern province to 83 percent inCopperbelt. These differences may be due to inadequate programme coverage in these areas.The data indicate that 80 percent of children under the age of three live in households that useiodised salt.Nutrition among Children and Women │ 175