Prevalence of rickets in Mongolia

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Rickets is a significant health issue in children, linked to vitamin D deficiency.
• Mongolia faces unique environmental and cultural factors potentially contributing to rickets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current health and nutrition status of mothers and children in Mongolia.
• To determine the prevalence of rickets and related factors in Mongolian children.

Main Methods:

• A regionally stratified survey of 977 households was conducted in July-August 1997.
• Clinical signs of rickets (rachitic rosary, Harrison's groove, delayed fontanelle closure) were assessed in children aged 6-60 months.
• Vitamin D supplementation data was collected from caretakers.

Main Results:

• 69.8% of children aged 6-60 months exhibited at least one clinical sign of rickets.
• Only 66.2% of children under 3 years received vitamin D supplements in the 6 months prior to the survey.
• Limited UV-B exposure during winter and traditional infant swaddling were identified as contributing factors.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of rickets in Mongolian children is a serious public health concern.
• Rickets likely reflects widespread subclinical vitamin D deficiency.
• Addressing vitamin D deficiency is crucial for improving child growth, development, and immune function.