A Cross Sectional Study On The Prevalence Of Vitamin A Deficiency

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient needed for normal vision, immune functions, maintenance of epithelial cell integrity, growth and development, reproductive function. It is the most important cause of preventable childhood blindness in developing countries. To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in children ?15 yearsAim: reporting to a tertiary care centre A cross sectional study was conducted on 100 children agedMaterials & Methods: upto 15years reporting to eye OPD from April 2022- June 2022. Detailed history from mother was collected. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination including visual acuity measurement, anterior segment, fundus evaluation was done. Vitamin A deficiency was clinically assessed by using WHO classification of Xerophthalmia. TheResults: prevalence of clinical vitamin A deficiency in this study was 9%. Maximum presentation was seen in age group of >2-5 years. Prevention, early recognition by regular screening and nutritional education would decrease theConclusion: risk of developing clinical vitamin A deficiency