Paediatric Research Across the Midlands
Vitamin D supplementation in pre-school children: A Multi-Centre Survey
Aims
To identify current parental awareness and administration of Vitamin D supplements to their children.
Methods
Questionnaires were distributed to parents of children below 5 years of age in 8 hospitals in the West Midlands, at point of contact with Paediatric services. Information leaflets were offered to all parents who were approached.
Results
149 questionnaires were returned, of which 8 were over 5 years of age and therefore excluded from the data. 35 children were receiving a vitamin supplement (25%). 70% of all mums who responded took a vitamin supplement during pregnancy. 12 mums (8.5%) reported being Vitamin D deficient, with only 3 children of these mothers (25%) receiving Vitamin D supplements. 83 families had heard of the Healthy Start Programme, with 25 of these taking Vitamin supplements (30%).
Conclusions
This survey showed heterogeneity in regional practice within the West Midlands. There was a trend that hospitals with high Healthy Start awareness had better uptake of vitamin D supplements. There is an ongoing lack of parental awareness about the Healthy Start Programme which should be addressed, particularly in high risk populations.
Regional Project Lead: Dr Joanna Nuthall
Local Project Leads: Dr Minoth Kanagaratnam
Dr Isabel Fullwood
Dr Gerard Millen
Dr Bhavna Singham
Dr Shaheen Ghumra
Dr Stuart Hartshorn
Louise Rogers
Project Supervisors: Dr Emma Webb
Dr Jeremy Kirk
Presentation: Presented as poster presentation at RCPCH Conference 2017
