Funcionamento do programa nacional de suplementação de vitamina a em Unidades Básicas de Saúde do Setor Sul de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is considered a public health problem in several countries. This deficiency mainly affects children up to 5 years old, can cause blindness, and is associated with infant mortality. Therefore, in Brazil, the Ministry of Health created the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program (PNSVA), with the objective of preventing and controlling VAD through supplementation with megadose of this vitamin in children aged 6-59 months. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of professionals and the operationalization of the PNSVA in Basic Health Units (BHU) in the South sector of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to June 2019. The sample consisted of health professionals from the 19 BHU in the South Sector of Uberlândia. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, with the application of a questionnaire containing questions related to the PNSVA and its functioning, such as the distribution of megadose, who administers and if they received any training. Results: Most respondents were nursing technicians (84.2%). All respondents knew the PNSVA, however only 57.9% cited vitamin A supplementation as an objective of the program. Regarding the group of children who should receive supplementation, everyone knew how to report, however 84.2% were aware of the dosage, 26.3% were aware of the frequency of 6-11 months and 100% knew about the frequency of 11-59 months. The lack of capsules was cited as a problem in 57.9% of the units, despite not being recurrent. In all units, the administered doses were recorded, but in only one was used the Dosage Record Map recommended by the Ministry of Health. There was no poster or educational material about the program in any unit. Conclusion: The study shows the need for professional training, continuing education and support materials for better dissemination to the population about the program. It is suggested that further studies be carried out to understand other factors that may be related to low adherence of the professionals to the program.