Frequency of vitamin A defficiency in children of age 6 months to 72 months at the out patient ophthalmology department of agency headquarter hospital Landikotal, Khyber agency

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of Vitamin A deficiency [VAD] and associated clinical features in children of age group 6 months to 72 months in order to plan comprehensive eye care program. It was a non-interventional, cross- sectional study based on 2373 children aged between 6 months to 72 months, attending the Eye OPD from 1 st April 2005 to 1 st April 2006. Xerophthalmia was diagnosed on the basis of ocular signs and symptoms set by WHO. Dietary intake of Vitamin A was assessed and correlation of vitamin A deficiency with various risk factors was evaluated. Out of 2373 children, 94 [4%] children were suffering from VAD. Out of 94 children, 37 [39.4%] had Bitot spots, 27 [28.7%] had signs of corneal Xerosis/ Ulceration/ Keratomalacia while 24/94 [25.5%] had a history of night blindness. Thirty one [33%] children belonged to age group 61-72 months. Diarrhoea was the most frequent illness in 33[35%]. Most of the children [80/94; 85%] belonged to poor socio economic class. Vitamin A deficiency is not uncommon in children attending eye OPD. Most of them had already developed corneal involvement. Majority are under the age of 3 years; belonging to poor families, with poor dietary intake of vitamin A and with history of preceding illnesses like diarrhea etc. Community based studies are needed to assess the real burden of VAD and to plan for the major preventive strategies