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Calcium deficiency and causation of rickets in Ethiopian children

T Belachew1, H Nida, T Getaneh

  • 1Jimma University Specialised Hospital, P. O. Box 1104, Jimma, Ethiopia.

East African Medical Journal
|August 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Low calcium intake is common in Ethiopian children, but vitamin D deficiency from inadequate sun exposure is the primary cause of rickets. Rural children face a higher risk due to limited sunlight exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rickets is a significant health concern in Ethiopian children.
  • Dietary calcium intake is often below recommended levels in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of calcium in the development of clinical rickets among Ethiopian children.
  • To identify risk factors associated with rickets in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted involving 135 children under five years old at Jimma Specialized Hospital.
  • Data on calcium intake, sun exposure, and socio-demographic factors were collected and analyzed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant difference in mean calcium intake was found between children with rickets and controls.
  • Inadequate calcium intake was prevalent in both groups, below the recommended daily allowance.
  • Increased frequency of sunlight exposure (OR = 1.55), rural residence (OR = 5.0), and age 12-23 months (OR = 4.5) were significantly associated with rickets.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency due to poor sun exposure, not low dietary calcium, is the main cause of rickets in Ethiopian children.
  • Rural children are at higher risk, potentially due to traditional practices.
  • Public health initiatives promoting sun exposure are crucial for rickets prevention.
Abstract

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