Comparison of infant vitamin D supplement use among Canadian-born, immigrant, and refugee mothers

J Transcult Nurs. 2015 May;26(3):261-9. doi: 10.1177/1043659614531793. Epub 2014 May 5.

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.

Keywords: immigrants; infant supplementation; refugees; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada / ethnology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Refugees / psychology
  • Refugees / statistics & numerical data
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy

Substances

  • Vitamin D