Assessment of Vitamin A Deficiency [VAD] among Preschool Children in Alexandria Governorate:A Community-Based Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nutrition Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

2 Family health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

3 Epidemiology Department. High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

4 Biostatistic Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

The present community-based study was done to assess the status of vitamin A deficiency [VAD] in Alexandria governorate and to highlight the magnitude of the problem in squatter and non-squatter areas of the governorate. The study was conducted on preschool children aged 6-71 months. The two stage cluster sampling technique was used to choose the sample of the study. The actual sample size was 1217 child [920 from 30 clusters of non squattered Alexandria and 297 from 10 clusters of squatters]. Data were collected from each child on socio-demographic characteristics, morbidity profile and breast feeding pattern. Serum retinol level was determined for 1040 child. VAD was diagnosed according to the cut-off points of WHO. Main findings revealed that VAD was prevalent among 9.3% of the studied sample. It is more prevalent in squatters [13.3%], rural areas [15.8%] and among males [10.0%]. Simple logistic regression analysis showed that children from squatters and in rural areas had 1.76 and 2.25 times the risk of VAD than children from non-squatters and those residing in urban areas respectively. Also better environmental conditions were associated with a low risk of VAD. A set of integrated strategic actions were recommended focusing on targeted vitamin A supplementation, dietary modification, food fortification and some general public health measures.

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