Xerophthalmia in Ethiopia: a nationwide ophthalmological, biochemical and anthropometric survey
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Published on: July 24, 2020
Z Wolde-Gebriel1, T Demeke, C E West
1Ethiopian Nutrition Institute, Addis Ababa.
Insights
Vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in young children, with 16% showing deficient serum retinol levels. This study highlights the need for interventions to address xerophthalmia and malnutrition in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Xerophthalmia, a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, is associated with Vitamin A deficiency.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of xerophthalmia is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of xerophthalmia and Vitamin A deficiency in children aged 6 months to 6 years.
- To investigate the relationship between clinical signs of xerophthalmia, serum retinol levels, and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- A multi-staged stratified sample of 6636 children was examined for xerophthalmia.
- Serum retinol and beta-carotene levels were measured in 742 children.
- Anthropometric measurements were conducted on 2909 children.
Main Results:
- Bitot's spots were observed in 1.0% of children, with higher prevalence in pastoral and cropping zones.
- 16% of children had deficient serum retinol levels (<0.35 mumol l-1), and 44% had low levels (0.35-0.69 mumol l-1).
- No correlation was found between serum retinol, clinical signs, and socio-economic factors or anthropometric measurements. Stunting was more prevalent than wasting.
Conclusions:
- Significant prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia necessitates urgent public health action.
- Malnutrition, particularly stunting, is a considerable issue in the studied population.
- Further research into effective interventions for Vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition is warranted.
Abstract:
A total of 6636 children, aged from 6 months to 6 years and selected throughout the country using a multi-staged stratified sample design, were examined for signs of xerophthalmia. The concentrations of retinol and of beta-carotene were measured in 742 children, including those with xerophthalmia and every twentieth of the remaining children. Anthropometric measurements were made on 2909 of the children. Bitot's spots were seen in 1.0% of all children, with a higher prevalence in the pastoral (1.6%) and cropping (1.1%) agro-ecological zones than in the zones characterized by cash crops (0.4%) and 'ensete' (false banana, Ensete ventricosum) (0.0%). One case of corneal xerosis and 2 cases of corneal scar were also seen. Serum retinol levels were in the 'deficient' range (less than 0.35 mumol l-1) in 16% and 'low' (0.35-0.69 mumol l-1) in 44% of children. Serum retinol and clinical signs did not show any correlation with occupation and education of head of household, household size or anthropometric measurements. More stunting than wasting was observed, with peak prevalence of these signs of malnutrition being observed in the second year of life.
