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Vitamin A and acute respiratory infections
C B Kartasasmita1, O Rosmayudi, E S Soemantri
1Medical Faculty, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia.
Insights
Vitamin A supplementation did not reduce acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children aged 0-5. Higher ARI rates were observed in supplemented children, particularly in lower-income families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major health concern in young children.
- Vitamin A supplementation is a common public health intervention.
- Previous research suggests a potential role for Vitamin A in immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vitamin A supplementation and the occurrence of ARI in children.
- To explore potential socioeconomic factors influencing ARI rates.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted on 1961 children (0-5 years) from 3225 families in Cikutra, Bandung.
- Data collected included vitamin A supplementation history and ARI occurrence (mild, moderate, severe) over the past month and year.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations and significance.
Main Results:
- 54.7% experienced mild/moderate ARI in the past month, 87.9% in the past year.
- 5.5% experienced severe ARI in the past month, 16.8% in the past year.
- ARI occurred slightly more frequently in children who received vitamin A supplementation.
- Vitamin A was more frequently given to low-income families, who also showed higher ARI rates.
- High-income families had significantly lower ARI rates (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Vitamin A supplementation was not associated with a reduction in ARI in this cohort.
- Socioeconomic status appears to be a significant factor influencing ARI prevalence.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of nutrition, infection, and socioeconomic determinants in ARI.
Abstract:
By questionnaire we studied the occurrence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in 1961 children between 0 and 5 years old from a total of 3225 families in Cikutra, Bandung. In 38.7% of them 200.000 IU vitamin A supplement had been given at least once during the preceding year. Mild or moderate ARI occurred in 54.7% of the children during the previous month and in 87.9% during the previous year; severe ARI occurred in 5.5% during the previous month and in 16.8% during the previous year. Surprisingly slightly more ARI occurred in children with vitamin A supplementation. However, vitamin A had been distributed more to low income than high income families, and in the latter group significantly less children suffered from ARI (p less than 0.05; 44% versus 54 a 56%).