Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin A Deficiency amongst pre-school children in Gichugu division, kirinyaga district, kenya.
Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the risk of vitamin A deficiency and determine its
possible determinants in three sub-locations, Thimu, Thumaita and Rwambiti of Gichugu
Division, Kirinyaga District. Socio-economic and demographic data were collected from 456
households from which also 268 children between 6 and 60 months old were sampled for
anthropometric measurements and clinical eye examination. At the same time, sub-samples
of 155 and 171 children were taken for analysis of serum retinol levels and helminthic
infections respectively. Supportive qualitative data were also collected using focus group
discussions and market surveys. Finally, the household consumption pattern for foods rich in
vitamin A was also determined.
Anthropometric measurements did not include Vitamin A deficiency as a public health
problem. However the weight for height (wasting) indicated the deficiency in Thimu sub
location only. On the other hand low birth weight rates of 23.2%, 28.9% and 28.2% in
Thimu, Thumaita and Rwambiti respectively giving an average of 26.9% in the three sub
locations indicated vitamin A deficiency in the study area. On the contrary the breast-feeding
history and rate of immunization did not indicate vitamin A deficiency.
All the socio-economic determinants of vitamin A deficiency tested 1.e. monthly food
expenditure, land size levels, levels of employment, access to safe water, supply morbidity
and helminthic infection rates showed that vitamin A deficiency was a public health problem
in the study area. Prevalence of helminthic infections however indicated vitamin A deficiency
in Thimu and Rwambiti but no in Thumaita.
x
Night blindness indicated vitamin A deficiency in Thimu and Thumaita only while serum
retinol levels indicated vitamin A deficiency in all sub locations. However clinical eye
examination did not show severe vitamin A deficiency inform of Bitots spot or conjunctiva
xerosis.
The findings of the study indicate that vitamin A deficiency is of public health importance in
all the three sub locations studies. This conclusion is based on the positive indication by two
biological indicators, serum retinol levels and xerophthalmia supported by several socioeconomic
factors including high levels of child morbidity and rates of helminthic infections.
Citation
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University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Applied Human Nutrition