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Nutritional rickets in young Nigerian children in the Sahel savanna

G O Akpede1, E A Solomon, I Jalo

  • 1University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

East African Medical Journal
|September 11, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Biochemical rickets is prevalent in young children, particularly males and older children. Dietary calcium deficiency, alongside vitamin D deficiency, is a key factor in nutritional rickets within the Sahel savanna region.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nutritional rickets is a significant health concern in under-five populations.
  • Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of clinical and biochemical rickets in out-patients under five years old.
  • To correlate biochemical rickets with family sociocultural characteristics.
  • To assess the response of nutritional rickets to vitamin D therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cross-sectional and retrospective case-series surveys were conducted.
  • Data collection involved clinical examinations, maternal interviews, and biochemical assessments.
  • Nutritional rickets management utilized stoss therapy.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of clinical and biochemical rickets was 4%, with 17% having biochemical rickets only.
  • Biochemical rickets prevalence was higher in males and increased with age.
  • Lower prevalence was observed in indigenous families, Moslem families, and children of less educated mothers or those in specific occupations.

Conclusions:

  • The study supports the hypothesis that dietary calcium deficiency is as important as vitamin D deficiency in nutritional rickets etiology in the Sahel savanna.
  • Sociocultural factors significantly influence the prevalence of biochemical rickets.
Abstract

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