Objectives
To measure the common consumption practices, attitudes and level of knowledge (KAP) of micronutrients and fortified foods among consumers. From 2011 to 2015, the National Institute of Nutrition supported the fortification of fish and soy sauces, flavouring powders and vegetable oil, with iron, vitamin A and zinc. As part of the project, a national social marketing campaign was launched in 2014; and in 2015 a KAP survey was conducted to measure the effect of the social marketing campaign.
Methods
The survey was conducted in four provinces, two rural and two urban areas. The survey applied a multi-stage sampling approach and 990 families were surveyed using structured questionnaire.
Results
Fish sauce and cooking oil were the most commonly consumed among surveyed households (98% and 95%, respectively). The consumption of fortified condiments was low. The survey revealed that 13% of consumers could recall the campaign logo and 43% had ever heard of fortified foods.
Conclusions
Although all four foods are highly consumed by interviewed families, the recognition of fortified foods and people’s understanding of micronutrients is low. Voluntary fortification has not yet resulted in widespread acceptance of fortified foods. As such, a mandatory fortification decree has been endorsed for vegetable oil, salt and flour.
