Xerophthalmia among hospitalized Iraqi children

Area of Science:

• Nutritional epidemiology
• Public health in the Middle East
• Pediatric ophthalmology

Background:

• International sanctions can affect population health, particularly vulnerable groups like children.
• Nutritional status, specifically vitamin A deficiency, is crucial for child development and preventing childhood blindness.
• Xerophthalmia, a sign of vitamin A deficiency, remains a public health concern in many developing regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of xerophthalmia in Iraqi children under six years old.
• To investigate the association between xerophthalmia and factors like breastfeeding and common childhood infections.
• To understand the potential impact of sanctions on child nutrition and eye health in Iraq.

Main Methods:

• Ophthalmological examinations for xerophthalmia were conducted on 700 children aged 0-6 years.
• Data collection included medical history, feeding practices (breastfeeding), and presence of infections (measles, diarrhea, respiratory).
• A random sample was drawn from Saddam Paediatric Hospital in Diyala Province, Iraq.

Main Results:

• A significant prevalence of xerophthalmia (29%) was found, primarily in children aged 1-3 years.
• Xerophthalmia showed a strong inverse correlation with breastfeeding.
• The condition was highly associated with common childhood illnesses, including measles, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.

Conclusions:

• Xerophthalmia is a prevalent issue among sick young children in Iraq, indicating widespread vitamin A deficiency.
• Breastfeeding appears protective, while common infections exacerbate the risk.
• Urgent strategies are needed to monitor, manage, and eradicate vitamin A deficiency in this population.