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Xerophthalmia, vitamin A supplementation and morbidity in children
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, Faculty of Home Science, MS University of Baroda, India.
Insights
Vitamin A deficiency causes xerophthalmia (eye disease) and anemia in children. Vitamin A supplementation can help prevent these co-existing conditions in young children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency is a significant global health issue, particularly in children.
- Xerophthalmia, an ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency, is linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
- The interplay between vitamin A deficiency, ocular health, and anemia requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency and children's anemia and morbidity.
- To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin A prophylaxis in preventing these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing morbid and non-morbid children.
- Analysis of the prevalence of xerophthalmia in relation to anemia, worm infestation, measles, and diarrhea.
- Calculation of relative risks (RR) for various conditions associated with eye signs and vitamin A prophylaxis.
Main Results:
- Xerophthalmia was more prevalent in morbid children with anemia and a history of specific infections.
- Children with eye signs had a significantly higher relative risk of anemia (RR=1.5).
- Vitamin A deficiency showed a high relative risk for co-occurrence with diarrhea (RR=1.9).
Conclusions:
- Xerophthalmia and anemia frequently co-exist in children.
- Vitamin A supplementation appears to be effective in mitigating these co-existing conditions.
- Targeted vitamin A interventions are crucial for children aged 1-6 years, especially those with risk factors.
Abstract:
The relationship between ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency and children's anaemic/morbidity status as well as the efficacy of vitamin A prophylaxis in preventing these conditions was determined. The prevalence of xerophthalmia in morbid children with anaemia and history of worm infestation, measles, and diarrhoea was higher as compared to their non-morbid counterparts. The relative risk (RR) of anaemic children with eye signs was significantly higher (1.5), but the chances of having anaemia were similar in both vitamin A receivers and non-receivers. The RR of history of worm infestation, measles, and severe diarrhoea was 1.4, 1.0, and 1.2, respectively, in children with eye signs and 1.2, 0.8, and 1.3, respectively in children who did not receive vitamin A prophylaxis. The RR for occurrence of diarrhoea along with vitamin A deficiency was as high as 1.9. It appears xerophthalmia and anaemia co-exist and vitamin A supplementation helps in curbing these conditions among 1-6-year-old children.