scholarly journals Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency among Preschool Children in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zekariyas Sahile ◽  
Delelegn Yilma ◽  
Robel Tezera ◽  
Tadu Bezu ◽  
Werissaw Haileselassie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Night Blindness ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Bitot’S Spot ◽  
Subclinical Vitamin

Background. Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional concern in lower-income countries. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to show the magnitude of vitamin A deficiency among preschoolers in Ethiopia. Objective. The present study was aimed at synthesizing qualitatively and quantitatively the existing literature on the prevalence of VAD in preschool children in Ethiopia. Methods. Studies were searched through the search engine of Google Scholar, Hinari, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Africa-Wide Information. Searching was made using the keywords/MeSH of vitamin A deficiency, xerophthalmia, night blindness, Bitot’s spot, retinol, children, and Ethiopia. Data were analyzed and compared with the WHO threshold criteria to declare a public health problem. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using a Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. A random-effects model with 95% confidence interval was used for prevalence estimations. Results. Of the 13 studies included in clinical analysis, 12 of them reported the prevalence of night blindness and/or Bitot’s spot among preschool children in Ethiopia which was above WHO cutoff point for the public health problem 1% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of night blindness significantly decreased from moderate public health problem 4.2% (95% CI: 2.8%-5.7%) in a period from 1990 to 2004 to mild public health problem 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6%-1.0%) in a period from 2005 to 2019. Furthermore, statistically insignificant reduction was observed in the prevalence of Bitot’s spot in a period from 1990 to 2004, 2.2% (95% CI: 1.3%-3.2%) to 1.8% (95% CI: 1.2%-2.3%) in a period from 2005 to 2019. Among 8 studies on subclinical vitamin A deficiency, 7 of them indicated a severe public health problem (>20%). The prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency decreased from 55.7% (95% CI: 39.8%-71.6%) in a period from 1990 to 2004 to 28.3% (95% CI: 9.8%-46.7%) in a period from 2005 to 2019, but not statistically significant. Conclusions. Despite the reduced proportion of night blindness and Bitot’s spot, still both clinical and subclinical vitamin A deficiencies remain a public health problem in Ethiopia requiring strengthen intervention through the newly initiated health extension program.

scholarly journals Utilization of vitamin A supplementation services in high priority districts of Bihar

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Nivedita Sinha ◽  
Rajesh R. Sinha ◽  
Ajay Krishna ◽  
Rashmi Singh
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Ultimate Outcome

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major preventable public health problem. Prevalence of VAD in preschool children was 5.7% (India), and 4.5% (Bihar). India is implementing biannual Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) since 2007 along with 80 other countries. VAS was originally proposed as a short term measure, followed by dietary improvement. Since vulnerability to VAD is more in high priority districts (HPDs), it was deemed worthwhile to study the extent to which VAS programme is utilized in the 10 HPDs of Bihar with respect to the processes involved and the ultimate outcome of empowering the community with knowledge and capacity to combat VAD on their own.Methods: Cross sectional observational study conducted in 6 randomly selected blocks and 5 session sites per block of the 10 HPDs. 300 sites sampled for processes and 893 caregivers interviewed for their knowledge.Results: Out of 300 sites, 269 sites found functional, 30.85% sites had due lists and 30.11% had MCP cards; 20.44% had adequate VA. IEC displayed at 52.78% and 71.3% sessions conducted in shade. In 79.55% sites efforts made to determine age of child before administration. Correct use of recommended spoon known to 80.66%, benefits of VA to 76.57% and diseases due to VAD to 81.7% of FLWs. Knowledge regarding VA good in 33.4% of caregivers, average in 35.5%, and poor in 30.9%.Conclusions: Crucial gaps found in necessary inputs and conduct of VAS. Community knowledge found lacking for sustainable programme withdrawal. Better programme management will improve utilization. 

scholarly journals Vitamin A Deficiency among Rural Primary School Children, A still Neglected Group for Vitamin A Supplementation Strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augustin Nawidimbasba ZEBA ◽  
Jean Fidèle Bationo ◽  
Olivier Ouahamin Sombié ◽  
Jeoffray Diendéré
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
School Children ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
High Dose

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is still a public health problem across the globe and also in Burkina Faso, especially for under-five-years-old children. Since less information is available about the prevalence of VAD among the primary school children, this study aimed to study this area. Methods: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of high dose of vitamin A (VA) and daily zinc versus high dose of VA and daily zinc placebo (6 days per week) during four months among the primary school children. Of the total number of 200 school children, 100 were allocated to two random groups. Participants’ gender, age, weight, and height were measured, a blood smear was performed for malaria diagnosis, stool samples were collected for intestine parasites’ assessment, and blood samples were collected for haemoglobin and serum retinol measurement. Results: Baseline data of 183 school children were analysed and the findings showed that 20.6% of the school children were underweight (23.2% in girls vs. 16.5% in boys; P = 0.043). Anemia affected 36.2%, 39% had Plasmodium Falciparum, and 37.6% had intestine parasites. Furthermore, VAD prevalence was 46.1% (51.0% in boys vs. 41.2% in girls; P = 0,072). Conclusion: Among primary school children in the Western part of Burkina Faso, VAD is not only higher than other regions of the country, but also twice the critical level and defined as a severe public health problem by WHO. This result calls for action among the primary school children and recalls the importance of taking strategies against VAD among under-five-year-old children.

scholarly journals Child Night Blindness and Bitot’s Spots Are Public Health Problems in Lay Armachiho District, Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ajebew Bantihun ◽  
Kedir Abdela Gonete ◽  
Azeb Atnafu Getie ◽  
Asmamaw Atnafu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Night Blindness ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bitot’S Spot

Background. Night blindness (XN) is a condition in which a person cannot see in dim light and is the earliest clinical manifestation of vitamin A deficiency. Globally, vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in 122 countries, of which 45 countries have moderate to severe child night blindness. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of night blindness and Bitot’s spot among children aged 24-59 months. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from February to March 2019 among children aged 24-59 months in the Lay Armachiho District, Amhara region. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive summary statistics were used to describe the study population. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors. Results. Out of 1007 children, 1.9% and 2.2% had night blindness and Bitot’s spot, respectively. Illiterate mothers ( AOR = 2.94 ; 95 % CI = 1.12 , 6.72 ), age of 48 to 59 months ( AOR = 9.81 ; 95 % CI = 1.24 , 77.36 ), ≥4 family sizes ( AOR = 4.52 ; 95 % CI = 1.02 , 19.90 ), had diarrhea ( AOR = 5.00 ; 95 % CI = 1.73 , 14.54 ), and had a respiratory tract infection ( AOR = 3.14 ; 95 % CI = 1.02 , 9.70 ) were significantly associated with night blindness. Age of 48-59 months ( AOR = 4.23 ; 95 % CI = 1.13 , 14.86 ) and mothers who did not wash their hands after using the toilet ( AOR = 3.02 ; 95 % CI = 1.01 , 9.13 ) were predictor variables for Bitot’s spots. Conclusion. The prevalence of night blindness and Bitot’s spots was high. Child’s age, mother’s educational status, family size, diarrhea in the last 2 weeks, and respiratory tract infection in the last 2 weeks were predictive variables for night blindness. Besides, handwashing practice after using the toilet and child’s age were significantly associated with Bitot’s spot among children. Therefore, both night blindness and Bitot’s spots are a public health problem and call for the attention of health professionals in primary health care facilities.

scholarly journals Bioavailability of β-carotene (βC) from purple carrots is the same as typical orange carrots while high-βC carrots increase βC stores in Mongolian gerbils(Meriones unguiculatus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Porter Dosti ◽  
Jordan P. Mills ◽  
Philipp W. Simon ◽  
Sherry A. Tanumihardjo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Phenolic Acids ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Meriones Unguiculatus ◽  
Mongolian Gerbils ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Β Carotene

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is a worldwide public health problem. Biofortifying existing sources of β-carotene (βC) and increasing dietary βC could help combat the issue. Two studies were performed to investigate the relative βC bioavailability of a βC supplement to purple, high-βC orange, and typical orange carrots using Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). In study 1, which used a traditional bioavailability design, gerbils (n32) received a diet containing orange, purple, or white carrot powder, or white carrot powder +a βC supplement. In study 2, which included βC-biofortified carrots, gerbils (n 39) received orange, high-βC orange, purple, or white carrot powder in their diet. Both studies lasted 21 d and the gerbils were killed to determine the effect of carrot type or supplement on serum and liver βC, α-carotene, and VA concentrations. Liver stores of βC or VA in the gerbils did not differ between orange and purple carrot diets when equal amounts of βC from each of the diets were consumed (P>0·05). Both the orange and purple carrot diet resulted in higher liver VA compared with the supplement (P<0·05). High-βC carrots resulted in more than 2-fold higher βC and 1·1 times greater VA liver stores compared with typical orange carrots (P<0·05). These results suggest that high-βC carrots may be an alternative source of VA to typical carrots in areas of VA deficiency. Second, phenolics including anthocyanins and phenolic acids in purple carrot do not interfere with the bioavailability of βC from purple carrots.

scholarly journals Vitamin A Deficiency and the Lung

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín Timoneda ◽  
Lucía Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Rosa Zaragozá ◽  
M. Marín ◽  
M. Cabezuelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cell Junction ◽  
Normal Lung ◽  
Lung Physiology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Differentiation And Proliferation

Vitamin A (all-trans-retinol) is a fat-soluble micronutrient which together with its natural derivatives and synthetic analogues constitutes the group of retinoids. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes such as embryonic development, vision, immunity and cellular differentiation and proliferation. Retinoic acid (RA) is the main active form of vitamin A and multiple genes respond to RA signalling through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a remarkable public health problem. An adequate vitamin A intake is required in early lung development, alveolar formation, tissue maintenance and regeneration. In fact, chronic VAD has been associated with histopathological changes in the pulmonary epithelial lining that disrupt the normal lung physiology predisposing to severe tissue dysfunction and respiratory diseases. In addition, there are important alterations of the structure and composition of extracellular matrix with thickening of the alveolar basement membrane and ectopic deposition of collagen I. In this review, we show our recent findings on the modification of cell-junction proteins in VAD lungs, summarize up-to-date information related to the effects of chronic VAD in the impairment of lung physiology and pulmonary disease which represent a major global health problem and provide an overview of possible pathways involved.

The National Vitamin A Supplementation Program and Subclinical Vitamin A Deficiency among Preschool Children in the Philippines

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. A. Pedro ◽  
J. R. Madriaga ◽  
C. V. C. Barba ◽  
R. C. F. Habito ◽  
A. E. Gana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Subclinical Vitamin

scholarly journals Vitamin A deficiency in Bangladesh: a review and recommendations for improvement

1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faruk Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Night Blindness ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Population Groups ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Subclinical Vitamin

AbstractObjective:This article provides a comprehensive review of the change in vitamin A status and the extent of vitamin A deficiency among different population groups in Bangladesh up to the present time. The result of experience with different strategies and interventions designed to improve vitamin A status are then reviewed, leading to a discussion of key options for action, as well as important areas for research and evaluation.Design and setting:All the available data have been examined in detail, including data from nationally representative samples and nationwide surveys, as well as small studies in different population groups. Reports on the effectiveness of different intervention programmes have been used.Results:Over the past three decades a number of studies, which include national nutrition surveys, have been carried out to investigate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among different population groups in Bangladesh, and they have demonstrated a significant public health problem. Studies have shown that the prevalence of severe deficiency, based on the prevalence of night blindness in preschool children, decreased from 3.6% in 1982–83 to 1.78% in 1989 and 0.6% in 1996. However, there is still a high prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency, based on the biochemical assessment of serum retinol levels in preschool children, estimated mainly from hospital-based groups. Night blindness and Bitot's spot are also found to exist among school-age children and adolescents. Recent reports indicate that night blindness among rural mothers is as high as 1.4%. Only a limited number of studies, with small sample sizes, are available where serum retinol has been reported for school-age children, adolescents and pregnant women. Nevertheless, these studies confirm the presence of low levels of serum retinol and hence, the existence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency. Furthermore, the dietary intake of vitamin A in each population group has been found to be less than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), indicating a significant risk of deficient intakes of vitamin A.To address the problem of vitamin A deficiency, the government of Bangladesh started the Nutritional Blindness Programme in 1973. The main activities of the programme include vitamin A capsule (VAC) supplementation to children of 6 months to 6 years old, nutrition education to increase the production and consumption of vitamin A rich foods, and training of primary health-care workers on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of vitamin A deficiency, VAC distribution and nutrition education. Since 1988, as a long-term strategy, Helen Keller International has been implementing community home gardening promotion projects. To date, the possibility that foods may be fortified with vitamin A, has not been explored as a possible approach in Bangladesh.Conclusion:Although short- to long-term prevention and control programmes are to some extent in place, to improve the situation of vitamin A deficiency, Bangladesh needs a more appropriate mix of interventions for the entire population. More operational research and evaluation are needed if a fully effective programme to alleviate the problem of vitamin A deficiency is to be developed. Finally, to achieve the goal of virtual elimination of vitamin A deficiency will require an integrated approach which brings together appropriate actions at every level, within and across the many sectors of society.

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