The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a widespread vitamin A supplementation programme and to describe indicators of compliance with the programme in Indonesia.

Prospective cohort study. Children's anthropometric data were gathered at baseline (June 2000) and 4 months later (2 months after supplementation in August 2000). Serum retinol, haemoglobin, ferritin, α1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Caregivers of the children were interviewed using a questionnaire.

Semi-urban and rural areas of Semarang district, Central Java, Indonesia.

Children (n = 400) aged 1–5 years.

After the supplementation, the proportion of children with a low concentration of retinol decreased in recipients from 18.8 to 14.5%. However, in non-recipients, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency increased from 31.9 to 37.5%, this prevalence being significantly higher than in recipients. A significant decrease occurred in the proportion of recipients with low ferritin (26.5 to 16.2%) and haemoglobin (25.7 to 15.3%), whereas the proportions did not show a significant change after supplementation for non-recipients. Modest linear growth was detected in recipients after supplementation but there was no effect on ponderal growth. The coverage rate of the supplementation in the study areas was 60%. There was an association between compliance of the caregivers and their knowledge about the potential benefit of vitamin A supplementation, the place where sick children were taken and age of the children.

The vitamin A supplementation programme marginally decreased the proportion of vitamin A deficiency and had a marginal effect on the nutritional status of recipients. More than one micronutrient intervention is needed to increase the effectiveness of the supplementation programme. To increase compliance and coverage in the supplementation programme, nutrition communication and private healthcare practices need to be included in the programme.