Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Volume 26, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 261-269

Comparison of Infant Vitamin D Supplement Use Among Canadian-Born, Immigrant, and Refugee Mothers (Article)

Moffat T. , Sellen D. , Wilson W. , Anderson L. , Chadwick S. , Amarra S.
  • a McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • b University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • c University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • d University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • e McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • f International Life Sciences Institute South East Asia Regions (ILSI SEA), Singapore

Abstract

Purpose:This study compares knowledge and practice of infant vitamin D supplementation among immigrant, refugee, and Canadian-born mothers. Method: Focus group discussions with 94 mothers of children aged 0 to 3 years recruited from early childhood centers and a refugee health clinic. Findings: Both immigrant and Canadian-born mothers indicated good knowledge and use of infant vitamin D supplementation. In contrast, Canadian government-assisted refugees were less likely to supplement with vitamin D. The main source of information about vitamin D was public health prenatal classes. Many mothers reported inconsistent guidance from health care providers. Discussion and Conclusions: Exclusively breastfed infants of refugees may be more at risk of vitamin D deficiency. All mothers require clear recommendations, both in clinical and public health settings. Implications for Practice: Mothers, both new Canadian and Canadian-born, require clear and consistent messaging from health professionals. Refugee mothers, however, require more educational support to promote infant vitamin D supplementation. © 2014, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Vitamin D Refugees immigrants infant supplementation

Index Keywords

information processing refugee human Refugees statistics and numerical data Vitamin D Dietary Supplements dietary supplement ethnology Humans migrant psychology Canada Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child female Infant Child, Preschool Mothers Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice vitamin D deficiency mother attitude to health Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84927168860&doi=10.1177%2f1043659614531793&partnerID=40&md5=23d06d32afeac345a9adf7157f08cc2a
DOI: 10.1177/1043659614531793
ISSN: 10436596
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English