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Prevalence of rickets in Mongolia
U Tserendolgor1, J T Mawson, A C Macdonald
1National Nutrition Research Center, Public Health Institute, National Medical University, Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia.
Insights
A 1997 survey in Mongolia found that 69.8% of children aged 6-60 months showed signs of rickets. This high prevalence of rickets indicates widespread vitamin D deficiency, impacting child health.
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.
Abstract:
In order to investigate the current health and nutrition status of mothers and children in Mongolia, a regionally stratified survey of 977 randomly sampled households was conducted during July and August 1997. The prevalence of children aged 6-60 months who demonstrated one or more of three main clinical signs (i.e. rachitic rosary, Harrison's groove and delayed closure of fontanelle) was found to be 69.8%. Although a nationwide supplementation programme exists, caretakers reported only 66.2% of children under 3 years of age had received at least one vitamin D supplement in the 6 months preceding the survey. The lack of adequate UV-B rays during the winter months (i.e. October-April) and traditional swaddling of infants for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 9-12 months are likely to contribute to the prevalence of rickets in Mongolia. The high prevalence of rickets in Mongolian children is a serious public health concern. In addition to the adverse effects on growth, development and immune function, it is probably indicative of widespread subclinical vitamin D deficiency.
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