The Risk Factors Associated With The Development Of Nutritional Rickets In Children At Kenyatta National Hospital
View/ Open
Date
2000-03Author
Kituyi, Adelaide N
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
A study to determine the risk factors associated with development of nutritional
rickets in children at Kenyatta National Hospital was carried out. It was a case
control study. Sixty three children under 18 months of age who had vitamin D
deficiency rickets constituted the cases. A hundred and twenty six children
marched with cases for age and sex and without rickets were recruited as controls.
The children were recruited from the general paediatric wards and the paediatric
outpatient clinic (POPC).
The age ranged from 2 112 months to 18 months with 9 months being the modal
age. A higher percentage of children with rickets were born at a birth weight less
than 2.5 kg
(P < 0.001). Forty one percent of the rickets patients lived in flats. A higher
percentage of children with rickets (51%) were not exposed to sunshine as
compared to 3.2% of children without rickets (P < 0.001). Children with rickets
were exposed to sunshine for fewer numbers of days per week and for shorter
periods.
There was no difference in the availability of animal products in the diets of
children with or without rickets. Cod liver oil was used equally by both groups of
patients with or without rickets. However the cod liver oil was used as a therapy
for coughs and colds and not a preventive measure against rickets.
In conclusion children with rickets were exposed to sunshine for fewer days per
week, and for shorter duration. There was no significant difference in the
availability of animal products in the diets of children in both groups.
It is recommended therefore that mothers should be educated on the prevention of
rickets in their children through regular exposure to sunshine and appropriate use
of vitamin D supplements.
Citation
Master In Paediatrics, The University Of Nairobi, 2000Publisher
University of Nairobi Department of Paediatrics