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Vitamin A deficiency in a Kenyan prison
Wanjiku Mathenge1, Hannah Kuper, Mark Myatt
1Rift Valley Provincial Hospital, Nakuru, Kenya.
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|February 16, 2007
Summary
Vitamin A deficiency disorders (VADD) are a significant public health issue in Kenyan male prisoners, with xerophthalmia affecting 23.6%. Prolonged imprisonment and poor health increase VADD risk.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency disorders (VADD) are a major global health concern, primarily affecting children and pregnant women.
- Limited data exists on VADD prevalence and risk factors within incarcerated populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and causes of VADD among adult male prisoners in Nakuru, Kenya.
- To identify risk factors associated with xerophthalmia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmological examination for xerophthalmia in 1048 male prisoners.
- Case-control study involving 241 xerophthalmia cases and 448 controls.
- Interviews for risk factors and measurement of serum retinol and hemoglobin levels.
Main Results:
- 23.6% of prisoners exhibited xerophthalmia, predominantly night blindness.
- Xerophthalmia was linked to age, duration of imprisonment, prior imprisonment, and poor health indicators.
- Lower serum retinol levels were observed in cases; hemoglobin levels did not differ.
Conclusions:
- VADD represents a significant public health problem in Kenyan male prisoners.
- This highlights the importance of considering VADD in vulnerable adult populations beyond young children.
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